FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What type of learning does operant conditioning focus on?

1. Learning through repetition

2. Learning influenced by consequences

3. Learning based on social interactions

4. Learning through passive observation

The correct answer is: Learning influenced by consequences

Operant conditioning is a learning process that is heavily focused on the role of consequences in shaping behavior. It involves altering behavior through the use of reinforcement or punishment following a specific action. When a behavior is followed by positive outcomes or reinforcement, the likelihood of that behavior being repeated increases. Conversely, if a behavior is followed by negative outcomes or punishment, the likelihood that the behavior will occur again decreases. This framework illustrates how behavior is influenced by the outcomes that follow specific actions, making the association between behavior and its consequences the crucial element of operant conditioning. By utilizing this method, educators and psychologists can effectively modify behaviors, promoting desirable actions through reinforcement while discouraging undesired ones. The other options do highlight aspects of learning but do not encompass the core focus of operant conditioning. Repetition is a component of some learning strategies but does not capture the essence of operant conditioning's reliance on consequences. Social interactions can influence learning, as seen in social learning theories, but operant conditioning is distinct in its mechanism. Passive observation refers to a lack of active engagement with the material and is more aligned with observational learning rather than the active consequence-driven process at the heart of operant conditioning.