Final answer:
B. F. Skinner developed the conditioning apparatus for animals known as the Skinner box and introduced operant conditioning, which modifies behavior through consequences like reinforcement and punishment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Operant Conditioning and B.F. Skinner
The psychologist who developed a conditioning apparatus for animals and the concept of operant conditioning is B. F. Skinner. Operant conditioning involves modifying behavior through consequences, such as reinforcement or punishment. Skinner's research greatly influenced behavioral psychology, and he created the operant conditioning chamber, commonly referred to as a Skinner box. In these experiments, animals like rats were conditioned to press a lever to receive food as reinforcement, thereby modifying their behavior over time. This method has been fundamental in the study of learning and behavior.
Skinner's approach was based on the principles of modifying behavior through reinforcement, either positive or negative. This conditioning process is critical for understanding how behaviors can be shaped and maintained over time.Operant conditioning is used widely in various settings, including psychological research, animal training, and behavioral therapy.