Children often learn to associate their pushing a vending machine button with the delivery of a candy bar. this best illustrates the process underlying:
a. observational learningb. respondent behaviorc. spontaneous recoveryd. operant conditioning

D. operant conditioning                      

Explanation:

Operant conditioning: In psychology, the term operant conditioning is defined as a theory of learning which was proposed by one of the famous behaviorist and psychologist named B. F. Skinner.

Operant conditioning is also known as instrumental conditioning and is defined as a process of learning that arises through punishments and rewards for specific behavior. In operant conditioning, an association or connection is being made between a particular behavior and the behavior's consequences.

In the question above, the given statement best illustrates the process that underlies is operant conditioning.

~kinetic ~potential

explanation:

kinetic and potential energies would be types of mechanical energies.