Operant conditioning mainly emphasises on the role of

Operant conditioning is a learning theory developed by B.F. Skinner that focuses on how behaviors are influenced by their consequences.

Key Points

• Operant conditioning mainly emphasizes the role of reinforcement in shaping behavior.
• According to this theory, behaviors that are followed by positive outcomes (rewards) are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by negative outcomes (punishments) are less likely to occur again.
• Reinforcement can be positive (adding something desirable) or negative (removing something unpleasant), but both serve to strengthen behavior.
• This focus on reinforcement makes it a central component of operant conditioning and distinguishes it from other learning theories.

Hint

• The environment plays a role in providing stimuli and consequences, but it is the reinforcement that directly influences behavioral change.
• The learning material is more relevant in cognitive and instructional theories, not in operant conditioning.
• The teacher may act as a source of reinforcement, but the theory does not emphasize the teacher’s personal role as much as the effect of consequences on behavior.

Hence, the correct answer is the reinforcement.