The 'founding father' of behaviorism who was also a pioneer in educational technology is:

• A. John B. Watson
• B. Edward Thorndike
• C. B.F. Skinner
• D. Ivan Pavlov

Answer: (C)

Behaviorism emphasizes observable behavior and the way the environment shapes learning through reinforcement. B. F. Skinner is the figure most associated with this approach because he developed operant conditioning, showing how behaviors are strengthened or weakened by their consequences and how reinforcement drives learning. He didn’t just theorize this idea; he applied it to education by creating teaching machines and promoting programmed instruction, which delivered self-paced, feedback-rich learning experiences. Concepts like shaping, immediate feedback, and reinforcement schedules underpin many educational technologies, making Skinner a natural bridge between a behaviorist theory and its practical use in teaching tools. While Pavlov is linked to classical conditioning and Thorndike to prior ideas about learning and the Law of Effect, Skinner’s blend of a solid behaviorist framework with direct, tech-based educational applications is why he stands out as the best fit here.