Multiple choice

In operant conditioning, what is the relationship between events critical to learning and the response to be learned?

  1. They occur before the response.

  2. They occur after the response.

  3. They occur simultaneously with the response.

  4. They are unrelated to the response.
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B Correct answer
Explanation

In operant conditioning, the critical events (reinforcers or punishers) occur after the response to be learned, creating a consequence that shapes future behavior. This is the fundamental difference from classical conditioning where the CS occurs before the response. The temporal sequence is: behavior first, then consequence. This consequence-based learning is why operant conditioning focuses on voluntary behaviors and their outcomes. Skinner's work demonstrated that behavior is controlled by its consequences.

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