ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which psychological concept focuses on how behaviors are influenced by their outcomes?

1. Operant Conditioning

2. Classical Conditioning

3. Observational Learning

4. Behavior Modification

The correct answer is: Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is the psychological concept centered on the idea that behaviors are influenced by their consequences. This framework was primarily developed by B.F. Skinner and is based on the premise that behaviors followed by positive outcomes or reinforcements are likely to be repeated, while those followed by negative outcomes or punishments are less likely to recur. In operant conditioning, reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior happening again, whereas punishment decreases it. This concept emphasizes the role of reinforcements and punishments in shaping behavior over time, making it a fundamental principle in understanding how individuals learn new behaviors based on the outcomes they experience. In contrast, classical conditioning focuses on associating an involuntary response and a stimulus, rather than the outcomes of voluntary behaviors. Observational learning emphasizes the influence of watching and imitating others rather than directly interacting with the outcomes. Behavior modification incorporates various strategies, including operant conditioning, but is more of an umbrella term for applying learning principles to change behavior rather than solely focusing on outcomes influencing behavior.