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MENTAL MODEL · M4092

Operant Conditioning

Operant Conditioning
BehaviorHigh supportPsychology
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28

CORE DEFINITION

Operant conditioning, also called instrumental conditioning, is a learning process in which voluntary behaviors are modified by association with the addition (or removal) of reward or aversive stimuli. The frequency or duration of the behavior may increase through reinforcement or decrease through punishment or extinction.

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Operant conditioning, also called instrumental conditioning, is a learning process in which voluntary behaviors are modified by association with the addition (or removal) of reward or aversive stimuli

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Skinner: behavior is shaped by its consequences. Reinforcement (increases behavior), punishment (decreases behavior), extinction (withdrawal of reinforcement leads to decrease in behavior), stimulus control (cues trigger behavior). Focuses on voluntary behavior and its consequences, distinct from Pavlovian classical conditioning (stimulus-response).

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operant_conditioningZH · Explicit
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