According to operant conditioning, how is behavior controlled?

Operant conditioning posits that behavior is controlled primarily through the consequences that follow it. This theory, developed by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior. When a behavior is followed by a favorable outcome or reinforcement, the likelihood of that behavior being repeated increases. Conversely, if a behavior is followed by an unfavorable outcome or punishment, the likelihood of that behavior being repeated decreases.

In practical terms, this means that by manipulating the consequences of a person's actions—such as providing rewards for positive behavior or implementing penalties for undesirable behavior—one can effectively guide and modify behavior. This approach focuses on the observable connections between actions and their outcomes, making it a powerful tool for behavior modification in various settings, such as education, therapy, and organizational management. By understanding and strategically using these consequences, individuals can control and influence behavior more effectively.

The incorrect options do not accurately capture the essence of how behavior is shaped according to operant conditioning. Manipulating emotions, altering the environment, or changing a person's social circle may influence behavior in various ways, but they do not directly involve the mechanisms of reinforcement and punishment that operant conditioning emphasizes.