What is another name for operant conditioning?

Operant conditioning is also known as instrumental conditioning because it is a method of learning that occurs through the consequences of behavior. In this type of conditioning, behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on rewards or punishments that follow them. The term "instrumental" highlights that the behavior is instrumental in bringing about a particular outcome; in other words, the animal learns to use its behavior to gain positive reinforcement or avoid negative consequences.

This concept is fundamental in dog training, where trainers employ reinforcement strategies to encourage desirable behaviors and discourage unwanted ones. The focus is on how behavior operates on the environment to produce specific results, which is central to the practice of effective training techniques. The other options provided are associated with different concepts in learning and behavior.