Back to Development and Learning

Lesson PreviewLesson 8 of 9 in this unit

3.8 Operant Conditioning

Part of Development and Learning in AP® Psychology. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

Start free

Operant conditioning focuses on associating consequences (reinforcement and punishment) with behaviors. Skinner's box and the rat pressing a lever for food is the textbook case. Distinguishing operant from classical conditioning is critical, as students consistently confuse the two.

In this unit

9 lessons

  1. 3.1Themes and Methods in Developmental PsychologyPreview lesson
  2. 3.2Physical Development Across the LifespanPreview lesson
  3. 3.3Gender and Sexual OrientationPreview lesson
  4. 3.4Cognitive Development Across the LifespanPreview lesson
  5. 3.5Communication and Language DevelopmentPreview lesson
  6. 3.6Social-Emotional Development Across the LifespanPreview lesson
  7. 3.7Classical ConditioningPreview lesson
  8. 3.8Operant ConditioningThis lesson
  9. 3.9Social, Cognitive, and Neurological Factors in LearningPreview lesson

Continue the full lesson in Stellar

Create a free account to unlock the remaining sections, checkpoints, course practice, and progress tracking for AP® Psychology.

Start free