What does the term “operant conditioning” refer to?

Operant conditioning refers specifically to the learning process where behaviors are modified based on the consequences that follow them. This is a foundational concept in behavior analysis, developed by B.F. Skinner, whereby behaviors that are reinforced tend to be repeated, while those that are punished are less likely to occur.

In this context, consequences can include rewards (reinforcers) that increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated or punishments that decrease that likelihood. This mechanism allows for practical applications in a variety of settings, such as education, behavior modification, and therapeutic approaches, where desired behaviors can be fostered through reinforcement strategies.

The other choices describe different concepts in learning and behavior. The establishment of stimulus-response relationships pertains more closely to classical conditioning, which involves learning through association rather than consequences. The concept of learning based on associations aligns with Pavlovian or classical conditioning, which is distinct from the principles of operant conditioning. Distinguishing verbal and non-verbal behavior is relevant to understanding communication and may involve various other theories in psychology but is not directly related to operant conditioning principles.