Skinner's operant conditioning is also referred to as instrumental learning.

Skinner's operant conditioning is also referred to as instrumental learning.

• A. Respondent conditioning
• B. Classical conditioning
• C. Instrumental Learning
• D. Observational learning

Answer: (C)

Operant conditioning is the process by which behavior is shaped by its consequences. When a behavior is followed by reinforcement, it tends to be repeated; when it’s followed by punishment or no reinforcement, it tends to fade. This is why Skinner’s approach is often called instrumental learning—the organism’s own actions are the instrument that produces the outcome. This differs from respondent conditioning, where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an automatic reflex to elicit that reflex (classical conditioning). Observational learning involves acquiring new behaviors by watching others, not through direct consequences to one’s own actions. So the term that best fits Skinner’s framework is instrumental learning.

Operant conditioning is the process by which behavior is shaped by its consequences. When a behavior is followed by reinforcement, it tends to be repeated; when it’s followed by punishment or no reinforcement, it tends to fade. This is why Skinner’s approach is often called instrumental learning—the organism’s own actions are the instrument that produces the outcome. This differs from respondent conditioning, where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an automatic reflex to elicit that reflex (classical conditioning). Observational learning involves acquiring new behaviors by watching others, not through direct consequences to one’s own actions. So the term that best fits Skinner’s framework is instrumental learning.