Which term best describes the manipulation of behavior by reinforcing or punishing actions?

Operant conditioning is the term that best describes the manipulation of behavior through reinforcement or punishment. This concept, developed by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes the relationship between behavior and its consequences. In operant conditioning, behaviors are shaped and maintained by their outcomes; positive outcomes (reinforcement) increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, while negative outcomes (punishment) decrease that likelihood. This framework is widely used in various settings, including education, therapy, and behavior modification, illustrating how specific consequences can effectively influence behavior.

In contrast, classical conditioning focuses on associating an involuntary response and a stimulus, largely explored through Pavlov's experiments with dogs, which doesn't involve the manipulation of behavior through reinforcement or punishment. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a therapeutic approach that combines cognitive and behavioral strategies but doesn't primarily focus on manipulation through reinforcement or punishment. Humanistic psychology emphasizes personal growth and the individual's perspective, aiming to fulfill potential rather than directly manipulating behavior through conditioning techniques.