Which of the following is a key concept in operant conditioning?

Operant behavior is a fundamental concept in operant conditioning, which was developed by B.F. Skinner. In this learning process, behaviors are influenced by the consequences that follow them. Operant behavior specifically refers to actions that are modifiable based on reinforcement (which increases the likelihood of the behavior being repeated) or punishment (which decreases that likelihood).

Understanding operant behavior is crucial because it highlights how behaviors can be shaped and changed through external stimuli. For example, training a dog to sit using treats as reinforcement demonstrates operant behavior; the dog learns to associate sitting with a positive outcome.

The other concepts listed pertain to different aspects of learning and behavior but do not capture the essence of operant conditioning in the same way. Stimulus generalization relates to responding similarly to different but related stimuli, and neutral learning is not a standard term in psychological theories. Response inhibition involves suppressing responses, which can be part of a broader learning framework, but it is not central to the principles of operant conditioning.

Thus, operant behavior is the correct concept as it is pivotal to understanding how behaviors are learned and modified through consequences within the framework of operant conditioning.