Operant conditioning, also known as instrumental conditioning, is a learning process where voluntary behaviors are modified based on their consequences through rewards and punishments. Behaviors followed by positive outcomes (reinforcements) tend to increase in frequency, while those followed by negative outcomes (punishments) tend to decrease
. This type of conditioning was first described by B.F. Skinner and is based on the idea that behavior is influenced by its environmental consequences. Reinforcements can be positive (adding a pleasant stimulus) or negative (removing an unpleasant stimulus), both increasing behavior. Punishments can also be positive (adding an unpleasant stimulus) or negative (removing a pleasant stimulus), both decreasing behavior
. Operant conditioning differs from classical conditioning in that it involves active, voluntary behaviors shaped by their consequences, rather than involuntary reflexive responses triggered by stimuli. For example, a rat learning to press a lever to receive food is operant conditioning, whereas a dog salivating at the sound of a bell paired with food is classical conditioning
. In summary, operant conditioning is a fundamental psychological theory explaining how behaviors can be shaped and maintained by their consequences, using reinforcement and punishment to increase or decrease specific behaviors
