Overview & Description:

Operant Conditioning, formulated by B.F. Skinner, is a method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior. Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior and a consequence for that behavior.

Example:

A dog is trained to sit by receiving a treat (reward) whenever it performs the behavior in response to the “sit” command.

Implications:

This theory is widely applied in various fields, including education and behavior modification programs, to encourage or discourage specific behaviors.

References:

• Skinner, B. F. (1938). The behavior of organisms: an experimental analysis. Appleton-Century.