instrumental behavior

n. 1. In operant conditioning, behavior that is learned and elicited through reinforcement. 2. Any behavior which has the control of others' behavior as its goal. Thus a boss may encourage a subordinate in order to induce her/him to work harder, or a wolf may cringe and act helpless in order to escape the aggression of a superior in the pack. 3. Any actions performed in order to obtain a reward.