Who is associated with the concept of operant conditioning?

The association of operant conditioning with B.F. Skinner stems from his extensive research and contributions to behavioral psychology. Operant conditioning is a learning process through which behavior is modified by consequences, specifically rewards and punishments. Skinner's experiments with rats and pigeons in controlled environments demonstrated how positive reinforcement could increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, while negative reinforcement and punishment could decrease it. His development of the Skinner box, a controlled setting where animals were rewarded for specific actions, was foundational in illustrating these principles.

Other figures mentioned have made significant contributions to psychology, but their focus differs from Skinner's. Sigmund Freud is primarily known for developing psychoanalysis and exploring the unconscious mind. Ivan Pavlov is famous for classical conditioning, demonstrated through his experiments with dogs and their salivation responses to stimuli. Erik Erikson's work revolves around psychosocial development stages, which explore personal and social identity across the lifespan. Thus, it is Skinner's work that specifically and directly relates to operant conditioning, reinforcing his pivotal role in this area of psychology.