---
title: "B.F. Skinner — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "B.F. Skinner pioneered operant conditioning, the idea that consequences shape behavior. See how he connects learning, language, and therapy on AP Psych."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/bf-skinner"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# B.F. Skinner — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## 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 Study Guides

- [4.1 Introduction to Learning](/ap-psych-revised/unit-4/intro-learning/study-guide/1DGsmPNwMd4hPoeXWZVu)
- [8.7 Introduction to Treatment of Psychological Disorders](/ap-psych-revised/unit-8/intro-treatment-psychological-disorders/study-guide/8XWbrjoTS6oLziBpMuow)
- [4.3 Operant Conditioning](/ap-psych-revised/unit-4/operant-conditioning/study-guide/DUhup3HeqinYuyytGAJ4)
- [8.2 Psychological Perspectives and Etiology of Disorders](/ap-psych-revised/unit-8/psychological-perspectives-etiology-disorders/study-guide/WMHOXJO7LzyRkU5a6kDS)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Behaviorism](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/behaviorism): A theory of learning that focuses solely on observable behaviors, disregarding any mental activities.
- [Reinforcement](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/reinforcement): In operant conditioning, it's any event that strengthens or increases the behavior it follows.
- [Punishment](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/punishment): It's an event that decreases the likelihood of the behavior it follows in operant conditioning.