<P> Laboratory research on reinforcement is usually dated from the work of Edward Thorndike , known for his experiments with cats escaping from puzzle boxes . A number of others continued this research , notably B.F. Skinner , who published his seminal work on the topic in The Behavior of Organisms , in 1938 , and elaborated this research in many subsequent publications . Notably Skinner argued that positive reinforcement is superior to punishment in shaping behavior . Though punishment may seem just the opposite of reinforcement , Skinner claimed that they differ immensely , saying that positive reinforcement results in lasting behavioral modification ( long - term ) whereas punishment changes behavior only temporarily ( short - term ) and has many detrimental side - effects . A great many researchers subsequently expanded our understanding of reinforcement and challenged some of Skinner 's conclusions . For example , Azrin and Holz defined punishment as a `` consequence of behavior that reduces the future probability of that behavior , '' and some studies have shown that positive reinforcement and punishment are equally effective in modifying behavior . Research on the effects of positive reinforcement , negative reinforcement and punishment continue today as those concepts are fundamental to learning theory and apply to many practical applications of that theory . </P>
<P> Laboratory research on reinforcement is usually dated from the work of Edward Thorndike , known for his experiments with cats escaping from puzzle boxes . A number of others continued this research , notably B.F. Skinner , who published his seminal work on the topic in The Behavior of Organisms , in 1938 , and elaborated this research in many subsequent publications . Notably Skinner argued that positive reinforcement is superior to punishment in shaping behavior . Though punishment may seem just the opposite of reinforcement , Skinner claimed that they differ immensely , saying that positive reinforcement results in lasting behavioral modification ( long - term ) whereas punishment changes behavior only temporarily ( short - term ) and has many detrimental side - effects . A great many researchers subsequently expanded our understanding of reinforcement and challenged some of Skinner 's conclusions . For example , Azrin and Holz defined punishment as a `` consequence of behavior that reduces the future probability of that behavior , '' and some studies have shown that positive reinforcement and punishment are equally effective in modifying behavior . Research on the effects of positive reinforcement , negative reinforcement and punishment continue today as those concepts are fundamental to learning theory and apply to many practical applications of that theory . </P>
who introduced the concept of reinforcement into behaviorism
who introduced the concept of reinforcement into behaviorism
Edward Thorndike
Edward Thorndike