what is operant conditioning

Operant conditioning, also known as instrumental conditioning, is a learning process where behaviors are modified through the association of stimuli with reinforcement or punishment. In operant conditioning, behavior that is followed by a pleasant consequence is likely to be repeated, while behavior followed by an unpleasant consequence is less likely to be repeated. The process involves the use of rewards and punishments to modify behavior. Positive reinforcement involves introducing a stimulus to increase the probability of recurrence of behavior, while negative reinforcement involves removing a stimulus to encourage good behavior. Punishment, on the other hand, is defined as any change to the surrounding environment that reduces the probability of responses or behavior happening again. Operant conditioning differs from classical conditioning, which is a process where stimuli are paired with biologically significant events to produce involuntary and reflexive behaviors.