Final answer:
B. F. Skinner was a pioneering American psychologist in operant conditioning, famous for creating the Skinner box which allowed the study of behavior modification through reinforcement and punishment.
Step-by-step explanation:
A famous person involved in operant conditioning is B. F. Skinner, an American psychologist who was a significant figure in the field of behaviorism. Skinner's work built upon Edward Thorndike's Law of Effect, focusing on how behaviors were influenced by their consequences, namely reinforcement and punishment. He developed the concept and the device known as the Skinner box, where animals could be studied interacting with mechanisms such as levers or disks to receive food rewards, which in turn helped to shape their behavior through reinforcement schedules.
The principles established through Skinner's research on operant conditioning have had widespread applications in animal training, behavior modification techniques, and various fields of psychological study. His methodology allowed for the systematic study of behavior modification through the use of positive and negative reinforcement, which continues to be a critical aspect of learning theory and practice today.