Which of the following statements best captures the basic idea of operant conditioning?
A)Behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences.
B)By pairing a neutral stimulus with a response-producing stimulus, the neutral stimulus can come to produce the same response.
C)Mental processes play a critical role in the process of imitating the behavior of others.
D)Behavior can only be understood by considering underlying mental processes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences. This means that behavior is more likely to be repeated if it is followed by a positive consequence (reinforcement) and less likely to be repeated if it is followed by a negative consequence (punishment).

Which of the Following Statements Best Captures the Basic Idea