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

Now, an international team of scientists has found that the cnidarians are capable of a slightly more advanced type of associative learning known as operant conditioning, which entails remembering the positive or negative effects of a previous action. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 13 Oct. 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

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