Final answer:
The behavioral (3-term) contingency, which is a learning principle known as operant conditioning, involves a behavior followed by a consequence to strengthen or weaken that behavior. It utilizes reinforcements to increase and punishments to decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The behavioral (3-term) contingency is C) a learning principle known as operant conditioning. This concept was based on the work of B. F. Skinner and is a form of learning where the consequences of a behavior determine the likelihood of it being repeated. In this context, behaviors are modified by their consequences in terms of form, strength, or frequency.
According to operant conditioning, a behavior (the first term) is followed by a consequence (the second term), which then affects the future frequency of that behavior (the third term). These consequences can be reinforcements, which increase the likelihood of a behavior, or punishments, which decrease its occurrence. Reinforcements and punishments can be either positive (adding something) or negative (removing something).
Behavior modification through operant conditioning involves reinforcing desired behaviors and punishing undesired ones. This process leads to the acquisition of new behaviors and the modification of existing behaviors in humans and animals alike.