B.F. Skinner and Operant Conditioning Theory

B.F. Skinner

American psychologist born in 1904, behaviorist.

Operant Conditioning

Learning theory focusing on behavior consequences.

Skinner Box

Controlled environment for animal behavior experiments.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a reward to encourage desired behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing unpleasant stimuli to encourage behavior.

Behavior Shaping

Modifying behavior through consequences.

Classical Conditioning

Learning through association between stimuli.

Extrinsic Motivation

External rewards for specific behaviors.

Intrinsic Motivation

Internal drive to seek challenges.

Negative Punishment

Removing a stimulus to decrease unwanted behavior.

Example of Positive Reinforcement

Rat presses lever to receive food.

Example of Negative Reinforcement

Rat presses lever to avoid electric shock.

Education Application

Using rewards to reinforce academic achievement.

Parenting Techniques

Praise for good behavior or time-outs for misbehavior.