Which concept in the behaviorism theory is exemplified when a student studies harder after failing a test?

The concept exemplified by a student studying harder after failing a test is operant conditioning. In behaviorism, operant conditioning refers to the learning process through which behaviors are modified by the consequences that follow them. When a student receives a low test score, this outcome serves as a negative consequence, prompting the student to change their behavior—in this case, to study harder in anticipation of improving their performance in the future.

The connection to operant conditioning is significant because it highlights how behavior can be influenced by rewards or punishments. The student's newfound dedication to studying represents a learned behavior in response to the failure experienced, indicating that the student is actively modifying their behavior based on past experiences.

In this context, classical conditioning would pertain to forming associations between stimuli rather than changing behavior based on consequences. While intrinsic and extrinsic motivation relate to the reasons behind studying—such as personal satisfaction or external rewards—operant conditioning specifically addresses the relationship between behavior and the outcomes that follow, making it the correct answer for this scenario.