Which concept explains that behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences, affecting future behavior patterns?

Which concept explains that behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences, affecting future behavior patterns?

• A. Trial-and-Error Learning
• B. Respondent Conditioning
• C. Selection by Consequences
• D. Baseline

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences, which influence future patterns of behavior. This is Selection by Consequences: the environment “selects” which behaviors continue by rewarding or punishing those actions. When a behavior is followed by a favorable outcome, its probability of occurring again increases; when it’s followed by an unfavorable outcome, it becomes less likely. For example, a student who gets praise for completing assignments on time is more likely to repeat that behavior. A rat that receives a food reward for pressing a lever is more likely to press the lever again. Over time, the behaviors that lead to positive outcomes are strengthened and become more frequent. Trial-and-Error Learning involves discovering effective solutions through repeated attempts, but the emphasis here is on how consequences shape future likelihood of the behavior. Respondent Conditioning is about automatic, reflexive responses to antecedent stimuli, not about consequences shaping voluntary behavior. Baseline refers to a starting level of performance, not the process by which behavior is selected by outcomes.

The idea being tested is that behavior is shaped and maintained by its consequences, which influence future patterns of behavior. This is Selection by Consequences: the environment “selects” which behaviors continue by rewarding or punishing those actions. When a behavior is followed by a favorable outcome, its probability of occurring again increases; when it’s followed by an unfavorable outcome, it becomes less likely.

For example, a student who gets praise for completing assignments on time is more likely to repeat that behavior. A rat that receives a food reward for pressing a lever is more likely to press the lever again. Over time, the behaviors that lead to positive outcomes are strengthened and become more frequent.

Trial-and-Error Learning involves discovering effective solutions through repeated attempts, but the emphasis here is on how consequences shape future likelihood of the behavior. Respondent Conditioning is about automatic, reflexive responses to antecedent stimuli, not about consequences shaping voluntary behavior. Baseline refers to a starting level of performance, not the process by which behavior is selected by outcomes.