What type of learning involves behavior being strengthened by reinforcement or diminished by punishment?

The correct choice is operant conditioning because it is a learning process whereby behaviors are modified through the use of reinforcement or punishment. In operant conditioning, a behavior followed by a reinforcing stimulus is more likely to occur in the future, which strengthens the behavior. Conversely, if a behavior is followed by a punishing stimulus, it is less likely to occur again, which diminishes the behavior. This principle is central to many behavior modification techniques used in various fields, including education and therapy, especially with individuals on the autism spectrum.

In contrast, classical conditioning involves learning through association, where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a reflexive response due to its pairing with an unconditioned stimulus. Observational learning occurs when individuals learn behaviors by watching and imitating others, often without direct reinforcement or punishment. Cognitive restructuring focuses on changing maladaptive thought patterns rather than modifying behavior through reinforcement or punishment. Thus, operant conditioning is uniquely suited to the question as it specifically addresses the relationship between behavior and its consequences.