Operant conditioning is a learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment. Among the options given, the scenario that best illustrates operant conditioning is:
c. A dolphin is given a fish every time it jumps through a hoop.
This example showcases operant conditioning because the dolphin’s behavior (jumping through a hoop) is being reinforced with a reward (a fish). The consistent reward strengthens the likelihood that the dolphin will continue to perform the behavior in the future. In contrast, options a and b refer to classical conditioning, where a response is elicited by a stimulus without the influence of reinforcement.