What does operant conditioning primarily focus on?

Operant conditioning primarily focuses on the antecedents and consequences of behavior. This psychological concept, developed by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes how behaviors are influenced by their outcomes. In operant conditioning, behaviors are reinforced or discouraged based on the consequences that follow them.

Reinforcement can increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, while punishment can decrease it. Therefore, the relationship between actions (behavior) and their outcomes (consequences) is key to understanding how behaviors can be modified over time. This framework allows for the systematic examination of how different environmental factors can lead to changes in behavior.

The other options touch on relevant aspects of psychology but do not capture the essence of operant conditioning. The focus on emotional responses, cognitive processes, and external stimuli does not adequately define the core principles of operant conditioning as it is primarily concerned with the behavioral patterns shaped by their environmental consequences.