Which conditioning method includes reinforcement or punishment based on an animal's responses?

Operant Conditioning is the method that involves reinforcement or punishment based on an animal's responses. This learning process emphasizes the consequences that follow a behavior, which can either increase (reinforcement) or decrease (punishment) the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future.

For example, if a dog sits on command and receives a treat, the treat acts as a positive reinforcement, making it more likely that the dog will sit when asked again. Conversely, if a dog jumps up on someone and receives a firm "no," the negative consequence may discourage that behavior in the future.

In contrast, Classical Conditioning involves creating associations between two stimuli but does not rely on the consequences of a behavior. Observational Learning is about learning through watching others, and Associative Learning is a broader category that includes both classical and operant conditioning, but does not specifically highlight the effectiveness of reinforcement or punishment based on the animal's actions. Therefore, Operant Conditioning is the most accurate answer in this context.