operant conditioning
noun
: conditioning in which the desired behavior or increasingly closer approximations to it are followed by a rewarding or reinforcing stimulus compare classical conditioning
Examples of operant conditioning in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Social-media platforms rely on operant conditioning and other forms of psychological manipulation to habituate us to the unthinking cycle of cues and rewards (likes, notifications, retweets) characteristic of all addictive patterns.
—
Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harper's Magazine, 8 Dec. 2021
Using operant conditioning, organisms can be brought to do various behaviors.
—Scientific American, 1 May 2020
Burtis said wildlife specialists got the two gorillas comfortable with the move through operant conditioning based on the work of B.F. Skinner.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Jan. 2023
It is based on theories of behaviorism and operant conditioning, and is known as the gold standard by many in the caregiver and professional community.
—Ariana Cernius, Fortune, 13 May 2022
Bears and monkeys can be taught to dance at circuses, but Patel said such displays do not qualify as true dancing because they are based on operant conditioning.
—Author: Jason Bittel, Anchorage Daily News, 9 July 2019
Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harper's Magazine, 8 Dec. 2021
Using operant conditioning, organisms can be brought to do various behaviors.
—Scientific American, 1 May 2020
Burtis said wildlife specialists got the two gorillas comfortable with the move through operant conditioning based on the work of B.F. Skinner.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Jan. 2023
It is based on theories of behaviorism and operant conditioning, and is known as the gold standard by many in the caregiver and professional community.
—Ariana Cernius, Fortune, 13 May 2022
Bears and monkeys can be taught to dance at circuses, but Patel said such displays do not qualify as true dancing because they are based on operant conditioning.
—Author: Jason Bittel, Anchorage Daily News, 9 July 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'operant conditioning.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1941, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of operant conditioning was
in 1941
Dictionary Entries Near operant conditioning
Cite this Entry
“Operant conditioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operant%20conditioning. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
operant conditioning
noun
: conditioning in which the desired behavior (as bar-pressing by a rat) or increasingly closer approximations to it are followed by a reinforcement (as delivery of food) that is needed, pleasant, or desired
Medical Definition
operant conditioning
noun
: conditioning in which the desired behavior or increasingly closer approximations to it are followed by a rewarding or reinforcing stimulus compare classical conditioning
More from Merriam-Webster on operant conditioning
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about operant conditioning
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share