Which type of conditioning involves reinforcing desired behaviors through consequences?

Operant conditioning is the type of learning that involves reinforcing desired behaviors through consequences. In this process, behaviors are modified based on the outcomes that follow them. When a behavior is followed by a reinforcing stimulus, it increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future. For example, if a rat receives food for pressing a lever, the food serves as a reinforcement that encourages the rat to press the lever more often. This approach emphasizes the role of rewards and punishments in shaping behavior.

Classical conditioning, on the other hand, focuses on the association between two stimuli rather than the consequences of behavior. It involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response. Observational learning emphasizes the learning that occurs through observing and imitating others, without direct reinforcement. Cognitive conditioning is not a widely recognized term in psychology as a distinct form of conditioning, making it less relevant in this context. Thus, operant conditioning is the best answer as it directly relates to reinforcing behaviors through consequences.