Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What does operant conditioning propose about responses?

1. A response is either weakened or reinforced by its preceding consequence

2. The consequences of a response are always positive

3. A response can only be strengthened by positive reinforcement

4. Responses are unchangeable regardless of consequences

The correct answer is: A response is either weakened or reinforced by its preceding consequence

Operant conditioning, a concept introduced by B.F. Skinner, proposes that behaviors are influenced by the consequences that follow them. The core idea is that a response, or behavior, can be either weakened or reinforced based on the outcome that follows it. If a behavior is followed by a positive consequence (reinforcement), the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future increases. Conversely, if a behavior is followed by a negative consequence (punishment), the likelihood of the behavior occurring again decreases. This understanding highlights the dynamic nature of behavior, where consequences are a critical component in shaping future actions. The focus is not solely on whether consequences are positive or negative but rather on how they influence the behavior's frequency over time, which makes this proposal central to operant conditioning. The other options do not accurately capture the principles of operant conditioning. For example, suggesting that the consequences of a response are always positive overlooks the role of punishment, which is a key aspect of how behavior can be modified. Moreover, stating that a response can only be strengthened by positive reinforcement ignores the potential of negative reinforcement, which also increases the likelihood of a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus. Finally, the notion that responses are unchangeable regardless of consequences contradicts the