Final answer:
Operant conditioning theory is based on shaping behavior through reinforcement and punishment, not merely shaping the mind. It involves learning the connections between voluntary behaviors and their consequences, making the initial statement false. The correct option is (b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Operant conditioning theory relies upon the shaping of the mind rather than behavior" is false. Operant conditioning indeed focuses on shaping behavior, not just the mind. It is a type of learning in which the consequences of a behavior influence the likelihood of that behavior's occurrence in the future. In contrast to classical conditioning, which deals with associations between involuntary responses and stimuli, operant conditioning involves learning to associate voluntary behaviors with their consequences.
B. F. Skinner, a prominent figure in the development of operant conditioning, employed a method called shaping. This involves reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior, making it possible to teach complex behaviors by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable actions. Reinforcements, whether positive or negative, serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior, while punishment tends to decrease it.
Shaping behavior through operant conditioning can involve a variety of reinforcements and punishments to either increase or decrease the frequency of a behavior. The careful use of reinforcement schedules plays a crucial role in operant conditioning, making it a powerful tool in both animal training and human behavior modification.