What was the primary focus of Skinner's experiments?

The primary focus of Skinner's experiments was on operant conditioning, which he demonstrated using the Skinner box. This apparatus was designed to study how consequences shape behavior. In these experiments, a subject, often a rat or a pigeon, was placed in the box, which had levers that could be pressed to obtain rewards (like food) or avoid punishments. Skinner showed that behaviors could be increased or decreased through reinforcement or punishment, thus establishing the principles of operant conditioning.

By systematically manipulating variables and observing the results, Skinner was able to provide evidence that behaviors could be controlled and modified based on their consequences. This work was foundational for behaviorism and has had a profound influence on psychology, education, and behavior modification practices. The focus on observable behavior and the role of the environment in shaping that behavior was central to Skinner's theories, distinguishing his work from that of others, such as those who focused on classical conditioning or genetic influences.