What does operant conditioning deal with, EXCEPT?

Operant conditioning is a form of learning through which behaviors are modified by consequences, which can include reinforcement or punishment. This process relies heavily on the association between a behavior and its outcome, influencing the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future.

The correct choice, indicating what operant conditioning does not deal with, is Pavlov conditioning, which refers to classical conditioning, not operant conditioning. In classical conditioning, learning occurs through the association between a stimulus and an involuntary response, exemplified by Pavlov's experiments with dogs, where a neutral stimulus (like a bell) becomes associated with food, resulting in a conditioned response (salivating) without deliberate reinforcement or punishment.

In contrast, the other concepts presented (positive reinforcement and punishment) are key components of operant conditioning. Positive reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated by providing a favorable outcome, while punishment aims to decrease a behavior by applying an adverse consequence. Thus, the distinction lies in the type of conditioning involved: operant conditioning primarily focuses on the consequences of voluntary behaviors, while Pavlov conditioning is concerned with involuntary responses to stimuli.