Which experiment is most famously associated with B.F. Skinner?

Prepare for ASU's PSY101 Exam 2. Utilize comprehensive study guides with multiple-choice questions. Understand psychological concepts and processes. Ace your test!

B.F. Skinner is most famously associated with the experiment involving rats, which is often referred to as "Skinner's Rats." In this experiment, Skinner designed a controlled environment known as the Skinner Box or operant conditioning chamber, where he studied the principles of operant conditioning. This involved teaching rats to perform specific behaviors, such as pressing a lever, in order to receive rewards like food or other positive reinforcements.

The significance of Skinner’s work lies in his ability to demonstrate how behavior could be shaped and modified through reinforcement, providing a systematic approach to understanding learning and behavior in animals, including humans. This foundational concept has had lasting implications in psychology, especially in behaviorism, education, and behavioral therapy.

The other experiments mentioned, while notable in the field of psychology, are not associated with Skinner. Watson's Little Albert experiment focused on classical conditioning and emotional responses, Thorndike's Puzzle Box dealt with the idea of learning through trial and error, and Pavlov's work primarily explored classical conditioning through the famous study of dogs salivating in response to stimuli.

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