Question

which of the following is an example of operant conditioning?

when a rabbit learns to jump after a red light flashes
when a rabbit goes to the bathroom in the litter box, she gets a piece of carrot
when a rabbit learns to jump at the sound of the door opening
when a rabbit chases after another rabbit

Explanation:

Define operant conditioning

Using the Operant Conditioning knowledge point

• Operant conditioning is a learning process where behaviors are influenced by their consequences (reinforcements or punishments).
• A voluntary behavior is followed by a reward or consequence, which increases or decreases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Analyze the given scenarios

Using the Classical Conditioning knowledge point

• Scenario 1: "when a rabbit learns to jump after a red light flashes"
• This is an association between an environmental stimulus (red light) and an involuntary or reflexive response (jumping), which is characteristic of classical conditioning.
• Scenario 2: "when a rabbit goes to the bathroom in the litter box, she gets a piece of carrot"
• Going to the bathroom in a specific spot is a voluntary behavior.
• Receiving a carrot acts as positive reinforcement, increasing the likelihood of this behavior. This is a clear example of operant conditioning.
• Scenario 3: "when a rabbit learns to jump at the sound of the door opening"
• This is an association between a neutral stimulus (sound of door) and a response, which is characteristic of classical conditioning.
• Scenario 4: "when a rabbit chases after another rabbit"
• This is a natural, unconditioned social or instinctual behavior, not a conditioned learning process.

Select the correct option

• The second option describes a voluntary behavior followed by a reinforcing consequence, which perfectly matches operant conditioning.

Answer:

• when a rabbit learns to jump after a red light flashes
• when a rabbit goes to the bathroom in the litter box, she gets a piece of carrot (Correct answer)
• when a rabbit learns to jump at the sound of the door opening
• when a rabbit chases after another rabbit