B.F. Skinner

Definition

B.F. Skinner was a psychologist who developed the theory of operant conditioning, which posits that behavior is determined by its consequences, be they reinforcements or punishments.

Related terms

Behaviorism:

A theory of learning that focuses solely on observable behaviors, disregarding any mental activities.

Reinforcement:

In operant conditioning, it's any event that strengthens or increases the behavior it follows.

Punishment:

It's an event that decreases the likelihood of the behavior it follows in operant conditioning.