Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What is the focus of operant conditioning in behavioral psychology?

1. The influence of environmental factors on behavior

2. The role of inadvisibility in developing response patterns

3. The relationship between response and consequence

4. The genetic basis for behavioral responses

The correct answer is: The relationship between response and consequence

In behavioral psychology, operant conditioning primarily focuses on the relationship between a behavior (response) and its consequences. This principle, developed by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes that behaviors are shaped and maintained by the rewards or punishments that follow them. When a specific behavior is reinforced, it is more likely to be repeated in the future. For example, if a child receives praise for doing homework, the likelihood that the child will continue to do homework increases. Conversely, if a behavior is followed by a negative consequence, such as a reprimand or a loss of privileges, that behavior is less likely to occur again. This concept is crucial because it highlights how reinforcement and punishment can influence behavior, making it a foundational element in understanding how to modify or change behaviors in various contexts, such as education, therapy, and behavior modification programs. Other options may explore different aspects of behavior, such as environmental influences or genetic factors, but they do not capture the essence of operant conditioning, which is fundamentally about the dynamics of behavior and its consequences.