Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Acting to produce an effect; having influence or agency: Describes something that is actively operating or functioning to bring about a result or change.
   • (In psychology, specifically behaviorism): Pertaining to behavior that is emitted by an organism and operates on the environment to produce consequences, which then influence the future probability of that behavior.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The scientist studied the operant factors influencing the chemical reaction.
  • In Skinner's experiments, a rat pressing a lever is an example of operant behavior.
  • An operant conscience is one that actively guides a person's decisions.

Advanced Usage

• Operant Conditioning: A core psychological theory of learning where behavior is modified by its consequences (reinforcements or punishments). The term highlights that the behavior on the environment.
  • Teachers often use principles of operant conditioning to manage classroom behavior.

Variants and Related Words

• Operate (verb): To function or to control the functioning of something.
  • The machine operates smoothly.
• Operation (noun): The fact or process of functioning or being active.
  • The operation of the new policy began last week.
• Operative (adjective): Functioning; having effect. (Note: "Operative" often implies being in force or relevant, while "operant" emphasizes the active, producing aspect).
  • The old law is no longer operative.

Synonyms

• Active
• Functioning
• Effective
• Instrumental

Antonyms

• Inactive
• Inoperative
• Ineffectual

Adjective

1. having influence or producing an effect
   • many emotional determinants at work
   • an operant conscience