What is Operant Conditioning?
A learning process where behaviour is modified by its consequences, such as rewards or punishments. Developed by B.F. Skinner, this approach highlights how reinforcement strengthens desired actions while extinction or punishment weakens unwanted responses, forming the basis for many behavioural interventions.
Operant Conditioning,
explained properly.
Not a flashcard answer — the working meaning, where you'll meet it, and why professionals who use it precisely get taken more seriously.
A learning process where behaviour is modified by its consequences, such as rewards or punishments. Developed by B.F. Skinner, this approach highlights how reinforcement strengthens desired actions while extinction or punishment weakens unwanted responses, forming the basis for many behavioural interventions.
Understanding Operant Conditioning on paper is one thing — using it confidently at work is another. In professional settings, this is the kind of term that separates people who talk about Psychology from people who are trusted to make decisions in it. Recruiters and managers listen for it in interviews, and colleagues notice immediately whether you use it precisely or vaguely.
At OnlineUni, Operant Conditioning is taught in full working context inside Certificate in Psychology — applied to real Psychology scenarios, not memorised in isolation.
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings (2019 = 1)
What mastering it
is worth.
Learning terms one definition at a time builds vocabulary. Completing the programme builds what employers pay for: certified capability.
Certified professionals are promoted faster, shortlisted more often and paid a documented premium over equally experienced but uncertified colleagues — and the premium compounds with seniority, so the earlier you certify, the longer it pays.
Fluency, not flashcards
Operant Conditioning and every related concept taught in working context, so you can use them under pressure.
A verifiable credential
A shareable digital certificate in Psychology for LinkedIn and your CV the day you pass.
Salary leverage
Certified Psychology capability is exactly what the uplift figures here are paid for.
Momentum
Self-paced, online, from £79 — most learners finish their first certificate within two months.
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by career stage
Certificate in Psychology
A self-paced online Certificate programme with 3 modules, an online assessment and a verifiable digital certificate you can share on LinkedIn the day you pass.
- 8,294 professionals enrolled
- 4.7★ learner rating
- Study from anywhere · no fixed timetable
- Fast-track option: finish in as few as 20 days
More terms from
this glossary.
Every term below is taught inside the same programme — read them all free, then study them properly.
Stop looking terms up. Start being the one who explains them.
Certificate in Psychology covers Operant Conditioning and everything around it — from £79, entirely online.