Who is known for his work on operant conditioning?

The work on operant conditioning is primarily attributed to B.F. Skinner, who developed and popularized this concept through his experiments and theories. Operant conditioning focuses on how behaviors are influenced by their consequences, emphasizing the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior. Skinner conducted extensive research using devices like the Skinner box, where he observed how animals, such as rats and pigeons, learned to perform tasks to receive rewards or avoid punishments. His contributions laid the foundation for understanding how behavior can be modified and are fundamental to behavioral psychology.

The other individuals mentioned also made significant contributions to psychology but in different areas. Pavlov is known for his work on classical conditioning, where he studied the association between stimuli and responses. Bandura is renowned for his social learning theory, which emphasizes learning through observation and modeling. Thorndike is known for his work on the law of effect, which laid the groundwork for Skinner's operant conditioning, but it was Skinner who fully developed the concept.