What term describes the learning process where a consequence follows a behavior to shape future actions?

The learning process where a consequence follows a behavior to shape future actions is known as operant conditioning. This concept, developed by B.F. Skinner, is fundamental in behavioral psychology and emphasizes the relationship between behaviors and their consequences. In operant conditioning, behaviors are modified through reinforcements or punishments that occur after the behavior, which determines the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future.

For example, if a student studies hard and receives praise or a good grade as a result, that positive reinforcement increases the likelihood that the student will continue to study hard. Conversely, if undesirable behavior is punished, it decreases the chances of that behavior being repeated. This process demonstrates how future actions can be shaped by current behaviors through the consequences they elicit.

In contrast, the other terms listed relate to different concepts. A feedback loop refers to a system where outputs of a process are circled back and used as inputs, often seen in self-regulating systems. A conditioned stimulus pertains to classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response, rather than focusing on behaviors influenced by rewards or punishments. Behavior shaping is a related but broader concept that encompasses gradual reinforcement of successive approximations of desired