Famous Theories |
B.F Skinner was known for developing the Theory of Operant Conditioning. This theory suggests that behavior is learned and developed in a person through consequences (punishment or reinforcement). When a person is provided Aversive stimuli or reinforcing stimuli they would alter their behavior according to what consequences they receive.
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Famous Experiments |
He is most famous for conducting the Skinner Box Experiment. In this experiment he tested a mouses ability to be positively reinforced with a lever and food.
AIM - Positively reinforce an animal to pull a lever to receive food IV: Whatever is provided by lever DV: Response of rat METHOD - Place rat inside box and give it time to adapt to the environment. Allow the hungry rat to discover the lever that gives food. (Second experiment)Give rat unpleasant electric current to which could only be turned off with the lever Results - Prove that Operant conditioning exists in animals. Animals can be conditioned to perform irregular activities of given a positive or negative stimulus Significance - Capable of applying to humans. If we are give a positive or negative stimulus we adapt our behavior accordingly |