Although several influential psychologists who played significant parts in developing and popularizing Behavioral Psychology existed, the psychologist who undoubtedly transformed the movement was B.F. Skinner. For this reason, I find B.F Skinner the most exciting psychologist from history. Skinner is considered the founder of Operant Conditioning; however, he rooted his work on the law of effect by Thorndike.
Consequently, Skinner is well known for the theory of operant conditioning. According to this theory, the behaviors that are associated with pleasing consequences are more likely to be repeated, while those linked with horrible consequences are unlikely to be repeated (Skinner, 1965). The famous Harvard psychologist launched a new expression, Reinforcement, into the Law of Effect. In this case, according to Skinner (1965), a reinforced behavior has a propensity of being repeated, and the behavior, which is not reinforced, is extinguished. We can all recall how reinforcers have influenced our behaviors. For instance, when I was a child, I tried out several behaviors and learned from their consequences. I used to repeat those behaviors that were reinforced and had pleasant consequences. Nevertheless, I did not tend to repeat behaviors with bad consequences such as punishment.
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To analyze and prove the theory of operant conditioning, Skinner established an experimental device called the Skinner Box. Notably, the Skinner Box permitted him to test and observe how animals interact with their surroundings (Skinner, 1965). His work has earned huge credit because, up to date, several educational and professional institutions still depend on the theory of Skinner to motivate their workers and students. While numerous behavioral hypotheses of Skinner have been dismissed since his death, the contributions of Skinner in the field of psychology are overwhelming. It is worth mentioning that his career was so influential that some people regard him as the most significant psychologist of the 20th century.
To conclude, the work of skinner that I have experienced is his Skinner Box. As a student, I have observed teachers around the school using the concept of Skinner Box to encourage and motivate students.
Reference
Skinner, B. F. (1965). Science and human behavior (No. 92904). Simon and Schuster.
