Which psychologist is most associated with operant conditioning?

• A. B.F. Skinner
• B. Jean Piaget
• C. Howard Gardner
• D. Lev Vygotsky

Answer: (A)

Operant conditioning is a learning process in which behavior is shaped by its consequences. When a behavior is followed by a reinforcing outcome, it tends to be repeated; when it’s followed by a punishing outcome or the removal of a desired stimulus, it tends to decrease. This approach was developed and popularized by B. F. Skinner, who used experiments with the Skinner box to show how reinforcement and punishment influence how often and how quickly responses occur. In early childhood education, reinforcing positive behaviors (like sharing or following directions) with praise or small rewards can increase those behaviors, while clear, consistent consequences help reduce unwanted actions. The timing and frequency of reinforcement—the reinforcement schedule—also affect how durable the behavior is over time.

Jean Piaget focused on stages of cognitive development and how thinking changes with age. Howard Gardner proposed multiple intelligences, suggesting different kinds of abilities People can have. Lev Vygotsky emphasized the role of social interaction and the zone of proximal development in learning.