Who are the main figures associated with operant conditioning theory?

The main figures associated with operant conditioning theory are Skinner and Thorndike. Operant conditioning is a learning process through which behaviors are modified by their consequences, such as rewards or punishments.

B.F. Skinner is perhaps the most well-known proponent of operant conditioning. He developed the principles of reinforcement and punishment to explain how behaviors can be shaped and maintained. Skinner used devices like the Skinner box to demonstrate his theories, focusing on behavior modification and the role of environment in learning.

Edward Thorndike also contributed significantly to this field with his work on the "Law of Effect," which posits that responses followed by favorable outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by unfavorable outcomes are less likely to be repeated. Thorndike's experiments with cats in puzzle boxes laid the groundwork for later operant conditioning research.

Together, Skinner and Thorndike established the foundational concepts of operant conditioning, making their contributions critical in understanding how behavior can be influenced through consequences. The other figures listed, such as Pavlov, Bandura, Whitaker, Ellis, Piaget, and Vygotsky, are associated with different psychological theories, such as classical conditioning, observational learning, or cognitive development, rather