Skinner box

American  

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.

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Skinner box British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of Skinner box

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

Example Sentences

It’s absolutely absurd, but its popularity has been maintained by a constant carpeting bombing of ads and an addicted public who can latch onto any game with skinner box mechanics, no matter how bad.

From Forbes • Feb. 1, 2015

Critics called it a glorified skinner box, a compulsive trap of clicks and rewards, but fans loved creating and sharing their farms.

From The Guardian • Aug. 1, 2012