Who is recognized as the foremost expert in operant conditioning?

B. F. Skinner is recognized as the foremost expert in operant conditioning due to his extensive research and contributions to the field of behaviorism. Skinner developed the concept of operant conditioning, which focuses on how consequences shape behavior. He introduced the idea of reinforcement—both positive and negative—where behaviors are influenced by the outcomes they produce. Through experiments using devices such as the Skinner box, Skinner illustrated how animals could learn behaviors based on rewards or punishments.

His work laid the foundation for practical applications of behavioral modification techniques, which are widely used in various fields, including education, animal training, and psychology. Skinner's methodologies and theories continue to be influential, emphasizing the importance of external stimuli in behavioral development, which sets him apart from other psychologists associated with behaviorism.