Which behavioral concept is defined as the association of specific behaviors with rewards?

The concept defined as the association of specific behaviors with rewards is operant conditioning. This behavioral theory suggests that behaviors can be increased or decreased through reinforcements or punishments. When an animal performs a behavior and experiences a reward, such as food, praise, or playtime, the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future increases. This process allows trainers and handlers to shape and modify the behavior of animals by consistently reinforcing desirable actions.

In contrast, classical conditioning involves creating an association between an involuntary response and a stimulus, rather than focusing on voluntary behaviors associated with rewards. Behavioral modification is a broader term that encompasses various techniques and strategies to change behavior but does not specifically refer to the reinforcement principle. Stimulus control refers to the scenario where a behavior is performed in response to specific cues, yet it does not inherently involve the behavior-reward relationship that operant conditioning emphasizes.