Question

define operant conditioning, reinforcement, and punishment. explain how reinforcement and punishment influence behavior.

Explanation:

Operant conditioning is a learning process where behavior is modified by its consequences. Reinforcement is a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated (positive reinforcement adds a pleasant stimulus, negative reinforcement removes an aversive one). Punishment is a consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior, with positive punishment adding an aversive stimulus and negative punishment removing a pleasant one. Reinforcement strengthens behavior, making it more likely to occur again, while punishment weakens behavior, reducing its frequency.

Answer:

Operant conditioning: A learning process based on consequences of behavior.
Reinforcement: A consequence increasing behavior likelihood.
Punishment: A consequence decreasing behavior likelihood.
Reinforcement strengthens behavior; punishment weakens it.