Skinner box

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Burrhus Frederick Skinner (1904-1990), its inventor.

Noun[edit]

Skinner box (plural Skinner boxes)

  1. (behavioral sciences) A box or cage in which a subject (usually an animal) may be isolated from outside influences and studied; used in operant conditioning experiments where the subject can operate a lever to obtain a reward or avoid a painful shock.