Definition: A form of behaviorism based on the premise that reinforced behaviors tend to continue, while those that are punished or are not reinforced tend to gradually end.
Operant conditioning was pioneered by B.F. Skinner and built on the classical conditioning work of Ivan Pavlov.
Operant conditioning techniques are still used today in clinical therapy. However, they are most often used as part of a cognitive-behavioral treatment plan.
Examples:
Parents often use operant conditioning, such as rewarding good grades with ice cream.
