Which statement describes operant conditioning?

• A. Reflexive and unlearned
• B. It does not involve reinforcement
• C. Operant conditioning focuses on thoughts
• D. Subjects learn behavior by associating it with consequences

Answer: (D)

Operant conditioning is learning through consequences that follow a behavior. It shows how voluntary actions are shaped by reinforcement or punishment. When a behavior is followed by a rewarding consequence (or the removal of something aversive), that behavior tends to occur more often. When it’s followed by a punishing outcome, that behavior tends to occur less often. The crucial idea is the connection between what a person does and what happens afterward, which guides future behavior. That’s why describing operant conditioning as learning by associating behavior with consequences is the best fit. The other statements don’t match: reflexive and unlearned describes automatic responses more tied to classical conditioning; operant conditioning does involve reinforcement; and while thoughts can play a role, the focus here is on observable behavior and its consequences.