Final answer:
The weakening of a response following an unpleasant consequence is known as Punishment (C). Punishment, within the framework of operant conditioning, aims to decrease the likelihood of a behavior by introducing adverse outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The weakening of a response that occurs when a behavior leads to an unpleasant consequence is known as Punishment (C). Punishment in the context of operant conditioning refers to the introduction of an unfavorable outcome following an undesirable behavior, with the intent to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring in the future. This can take the form of positive punishment, where something unpleasant is added, or negative punishment, where something pleasant is taken away. In any case, the consequence makes the behavior less likely to happen again.
In contrast, reinforcement, whether positive or negative, always seeks to increase the frequency of a behavior. Positive reinforcement involves giving a reward after a desired behavior is exhibited, whereas negative reinforcement entails the removal of an adverse condition as a consequence of the desired behavior. Extinction occurs when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without the unconditioned stimulus, leading to a gradual decrease in the conditioned response. Conditioning is the overarching term that encompasses both reinforcement and punishment as strategies for learning.