Describe the theory of operant conditioning.

The theory of operant conditioning is defined as an
approach used in behavioral sciences with the purpose of creating or extinguishing a
behavior based on the application or retention of
stimuli.

First proposed by B.F. Skinner, it's term
"operant" is described in Skinner's own words as:

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"active behavior that operates upon the
environment to generate
consequences"

This being
said, the theory argues that the modification of behavior occurs when a positive
stimulus (reinforcer) is given as a motivator, or when a positive stimulus is taken away
as punishment. This is commonly known as the consequence of a
behavior.

Therefore, when a good behavior is rewarded, and
bad behavior is not, what we are actually doing is modifying the behavior so that it
would persist being good. Yet, the opposite may also occur when we either do not
correct, or accidentally reward, bad behavior. Hence, there the operant conditioning
theory is basically a combination of interventions of positive and negative origin whose
implementation or removal would ultimately lead to a behavior to persist or
desist.