Which statement demonstrates operant rather than classical conditioning?
A) A car salesperson receives a bonus for doing a good job at work. Afterwards, she continues to work hard at selling cars.
B) A toddler squeals and curls up in a ball when his mother moves her fingers as if she is going to tickle him.
C) A diner begins salivating as soon as he sees the waiter bringing dessert to the table.
D) Hearing the music of an ice cream truck causes children to get excited.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Operant conditioning involves learning through the consequences of behavior, such as rewards or punishments. In choice A, the salesperson's behavior (working hard) is reinforced by a reward (a bonus), which is a classic example of operant conditioning. Choices B, C, and D involve classical conditioning, where a natural response is elicited by a conditioned stimulus.

Which Statement Demonstrates Operant Rather Than Classical Conditioning