Skinner box

noun

, Psychology.

1. a box used in experiments in animal learning, especially in operant conditioning, equipped with a mechanism that automatically gives the animal food or other reward or permits escape, as by opening a door.

Skinner box

noun

1. a device for studying the learning behaviour of animals, esp rats and pigeons, consisting of a box in which the animal can move a lever to obtain a reward, such as a food pellet, or a punishment, such as an electric shock

Word History and Origins

Origin of Skinner box¹

First recorded in 1940–45; named after B. F. Skinner

Word History and Origins

Origin of Skinner box¹

C20: named after B. F. Skinner