Question

159. Which of the following best describes the basic principle behind operant

conditioning?
(A) Th e consequences one receives are directly based on his or her
behavior.
(B) Th e conditioned stimulus one responds to is called a conditioned
response.
(C) Continuous reinforcement is the best way to reinforce positive
behavior.
(D) To decrease undesired behaviors one must use negative punishment.
(E) Negative reinforcement and punishment both equally help to rid
unwanted behavior.

Answer 1

In operant conditioning, the likelihood of a behavior occurring is influenced by the consequences that follow, which can consist of either reinforcement to increase behavior or punishment to decrease behavior. Option A

Step-by-step explanation:

The basic principle of operant conditioning is that behaviors are influenced by the consequences that follow them. Developed considerably by B. F. Skinner, this learning process involves reinforcing desired behaviors and punishing undesired ones to modify an organism’s actions.

Skinner’s work is particularly significant in demonstrating that behavior is impacted by reinforcements (positive or negative) that increase a behavior's likelihood and punishments (also positive or negative) that decrease a behavior's likelihood.

(A) Th e consequences one receives are directly based on his or her behavior. This option succinctly encapsulates the operation of operant conditioning – behaviors that are positively reinforced are more likely to recur, whereas behaviors that are punished are less likely to recur. Overall, the key to operant conditioning is understanding how reinforcements and punishments shape behavior. Option A