Skinner, B.F.

B.F. Skinner was a renowned psychologist known for his work on behaviorism, emphasizing that behavior is influenced by its consequences. He believed that actions followed by reward are likely to be repeated, while those followed by punishment are less likely. Skinner developed the concept of operant conditioning, where behavior is shaped through reinforcement or punishment. He conducted experiments using animals, like pigeons and rats, to demonstrate how environmental factors can control behavior. His ideas influence education, behavior modification, and understanding how external stimuli shape human actions.