Who is credited with the discovery of operant conditioning?

The discovery of operant conditioning is credited to B.F. Skinner, who is known for his contributions to behaviorism and the study of behavior modification. Operant conditioning is a learning process that occurs through reinforcement or punishment, which affects the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Skinner conducted numerous experiments with animals, particularly with rats and pigeons, to demonstrate how behaviors could be shaped by controlling the consequences that followed them. He introduced key concepts such as reinforcement schedules and behavior shaping, which have become foundational in psychology, education, and various applied fields. Skinner's work emphasized the role of environmental factors in behavior, effectively distinguishing operant conditioning from classical conditioning, which was associated with Pavlov's work on reflexes. The principles of operant conditioning have been widely applied in various domains, including behavioral therapy, education, and animal training.