Which term describes a behavior that is consistently followed by a reward?

The term that describes a behavior that is consistently followed by a reward is operant conditioning. This concept, developed by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes the idea that behaviors are influenced by their consequences. When a behavior is followed by a rewarding stimulus, it is more likely to be repeated in the future. This form of learning occurs because the individual learns to associate their actions with the outcomes that follow, thereby reinforcing the behavior.

In operant conditioning, reinforcement can be positive (adding a desirable stimulus to increase the behavior) or negative (removing an aversive stimulus to increase the behavior). The consistent following of a behavior with a reward establishes a strong connection in the individual’s mind, promoting the likelihood of the behavior being repeated.

Classical conditioning, on the other hand, involves associating two stimuli, rather than a behavior and its consequences. Observational learning focuses on learning by watching others, without direct reinforcement. Behavior modification is a broader term that encompasses various techniques, including operant conditioning, but does not specifically define the consistent link between a behavior and its rewarding outcomes.