Skinner's Operant Conditioning theory can be best represented by:

Answer: R → S (Response leads to Stimulus/Consequence)

Explanation: Operant conditioning explains how the consequences of a behavior change the likelihood of that behavior happening again. The notation R → S captures this contingency: a response (R) produces a stimulus or consequence (S) which can be a reinforcer or a punisher.

• Key idea: Behavior is followed by a consequence. If the consequence is reinforcing, the behavior increases; if it is punishing, the behavior decreases.

• Example: A rat presses a lever (response) and gets food (consequence). The lever-pressing is more likely in the future. This is R → S.

• Contrast: Classical (Pavlovian) conditioning is stimulus → response (S → R), where an antecedent stimulus elicits a response (for example, a bell preceding salivation). That pattern is not operant conditioning.

Why other choices are incorrect: Any representation that shows a stimulus preceding a response or that is ambiguous about the sequence does not capture the operant contingency (behavior followed by consequence). Operant conditioning requires the response to come first and the consequence to follow.