Who introduced the concept of operant conditioning?

The concept of operant conditioning was introduced by B.F. Skinner, who developed this theory as a way to understand how behaviors are influenced by their consequences. Skinner proposed that behaviors followed by positive outcomes (reinforcements) are likely to be repeated, whereas those followed by negative outcomes (punishments) are less likely to occur again. This approach emphasizes the role of the environment in shaping behavior through rewards and consequences. Skinner's work involved extensive experimentation, particularly with animals, leading to the formulation of foundational principles in behavioral psychology that remain influential today.

The other individuals listed made significant contributions to psychology but did not develop the concept of operant conditioning. For instance, Sigmund Freud is known for his psychoanalytic theory, focusing on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences. John B. Watson is associated with behaviorism and emphasized the study of observable behavior, but he did not specifically define operant conditioning in the way Skinner did. Albert Bandura is best known for his social learning theory, which incorporates observational learning but is distinct from the principles of operant conditioning.