What type of response does operant conditioning use?

Operant conditioning relies on voluntary responses, which are behaviors that individuals choose to exhibit in response to stimuli. This learning process is based on the consequences of behavior; when voluntary actions are followed by reinforcing consequences (such as rewards), those behaviors are more likely to be repeated in the future. Conversely, if voluntary behaviors lead to unfavorable outcomes (punishments), they are less likely to occur again.

In operant conditioning, the focus is on how behavior is influenced by its consequences, allowing individuals to shape their actions based on their environment. This framework is used extensively in behavior modification and educational settings to reinforce desirable behaviors and discourage undesirable ones.