Terms in this set (55) a chamber also known as a Skinner box, containing a bar or key that an animal can manipulate to obtain a food or water reinforcer, with attached devices to record the animal’s rate of bar pressing or key pecking. Used in operant conditioning research.

A Skinner box is an operant conditioning chamber used to train animals such as rats and pigeons to perform certain behaviors, like pressing a lever. When the animals perform the desired behavior, they receive a reward: food or water – this simulates Skinner’s concept of reinforcement.

The purpose of the Skinner box is to analyze animal behavior by detecting when an animal has performed a desired behavior and then administering a reward, thus determining how long it takes the animal to learn to perform the behavior.

B.F. Skinner is famous for his pioneering research in the field of learning and behavior. He proposed the theory to study complex human behavior by studying the voluntary responses shown by an organism when placed in the certain environment. He named these behaviors or responses as operant.

Immediate vs. Delayed Reinforcement- Immediate reinforcement that occurs immediately after desired or undesired behavior occurs. This type of reinforcement has the strongest and quickest effect in controlling behavior. The longer the delay, the less likely the learning.

Healthy behavior changes can target a person’s physical, emotional, or social health. Some examples of habits to improve mental health include:

1. Getting proper exercise.
2. Eating nutritious foods.
3. Practicing good sleep hygiene.
4. Socializing with supportive friends and family.
5. Taking medications as prescribed.