What did B.F. Skinner's research primarily demonstrate?

B.F. Skinner's research primarily demonstrated that reinforcement can shape behavior. Through his experiments, particularly with the use of the Skinner box, he observed how positive reinforcement, such as rewards, increased the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Skinner's work with operant conditioning highlighted that behaviors could be modified based on the consequences they produce. By systematically applying reinforcement, he illustrated how specific actions could be encouraged or discouraged over time, fundamentally influencing learning processes. This discovery has had profound implications in various fields, including education, psychology, and behavior modification techniques.

The concept of reinforcement shaping behavior is foundational in understanding how behaviors are learned and maintained, contrasting with ideas that focus solely on emotions, instincts, or observational learning.