What type of learning is characterized by receiving a token for participating in class discussions?

The type of learning characterized by receiving a token for participating in class discussions is operant conditioning. This concept is rooted in behaviorism, where the consequences of a behavior influence the likelihood of that behavior being repeated. In this scenario, earning a token serves as a positive reinforcement, which encourages students to participate more actively in discussions.

Through this reinforcement process, students are more likely to engage in behavior that earns them rewards, such as tokens, which enhances their learning experience. Operant conditioning emphasizes the role of external stimuli in shaping behavior, making it an effective teaching strategy in educational environments.

In contrast, cognitive learning focuses on understanding and processing information rather than behavior modification through rewards. Classical conditioning deals with associations between stimuli rather than direct reinforcement of behaviors. Social learning centers around observing and imitating others (models) rather than being motivated by external rewards. Therefore, the mechanism of earning tokens aligns specifically with the principles of operant conditioning.