Operant Conditioning is a learning process through which the frequency of a behavior is modified by its consequences. Positive or negative outcomes following a behavior can either increase (reinforce) or decrease (punish) the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future.
Example
A student who answers questions correctly in class receives praise from the teacher. As a result, the student is more likely to participate and answer questions in the future because the positive consequence (praise) increases the likelihood of the behavior (participation) being repeated. Conversely, if a student receives a detention for being late to class, they may be less likely to arrive late again in the future, as the negative consequence (detention) decreases the undesired behavior (lateness).