<P> Operant conditioning , sometimes called instrumental learning , was first extensively studied by Edward L. Thorndike ( 1874 -- 1949 ) , who observed the behavior of cats trying to escape from home - made puzzle boxes . A cat could escape from the box by a simple response such as pulling a cord or pushing a pole , but when first constrained , the cats took a long time to get out . With repeated trials ineffective responses occurred less frequently and successful responses occurred more frequently , so the cats escaped more and more quickly . Thorndike generalized this finding in his law of effect , which states that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences tend to be repeated and those that produce unpleasant consequences are less likely to be repeated . In short , some consequences strengthen behavior and some consequences weaken behavior . By plotting escape time against trial number Thorndike produced the first known animal learning curves through this procedure . </P>
<P> Operant conditioning , sometimes called instrumental learning , was first extensively studied by Edward L. Thorndike ( 1874 -- 1949 ) , who observed the behavior of cats trying to escape from home - made puzzle boxes . A cat could escape from the box by a simple response such as pulling a cord or pushing a pole , but when first constrained , the cats took a long time to get out . With repeated trials ineffective responses occurred less frequently and successful responses occurred more frequently , so the cats escaped more and more quickly . Thorndike generalized this finding in his law of effect , which states that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences tend to be repeated and those that produce unpleasant consequences are less likely to be repeated . In short , some consequences strengthen behavior and some consequences weaken behavior . By plotting escape time against trial number Thorndike produced the first known animal learning curves through this procedure . </P>
who is credited for the identification of operant conditioning
who is credited for the identification of operant conditioning
Edward L. Thorndike
Edward L. Thorndike