Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Operant Sensation Seeking in the Mouse
08:39

Operant Sensation Seeking in the Mouse

Published on: November 10, 2010

The sensory nature of reward in instrumental behavior

W Wyrwicka

    The Pavlovian Journal of Biological Science
    |January 1, 1975
    PubMed

    More Related Videos

    Studying Food Reward and Motivation in Humans12:09

    Studying Food Reward and Motivation in Humans

    Published on: March 19, 2014

    Pavlovian Conditioned Approach Training in Rats06:57

    Pavlovian Conditioned Approach Training in Rats

    Published on: February 4, 2016

    Related Concept Videos

    Behaviorism01:28

    Behaviorism

    The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
    The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
    Operant Conditioning01:21

    Operant Conditioning

    Operant conditioning, a key concept in behavioral psychology, involves using reinforcement and punishment to alter the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. B.F. introduced this type of conditioning. Skinner focused on voluntary behaviors and the consequences that follow them, influencing whether these behaviors will be strengthened or diminished.
    Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
    Primary and Secondary Reinforcers01:23

    Primary and Secondary Reinforcers

    In psychology, reinforcement is a key concept in behavior modification. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments involving rats in what is known as a Skinner box. The rats learned to press a lever to receive food, a primary reinforcer that fulfilled their innate need for nourishment.
    Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
    Reinforcement Schedules01:24

    Reinforcement Schedules

    Positive reinforcement is a powerful method for teaching new behaviors to both animals and humans. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with his experiments using rats in a Skinner box. When a rat pressed a lever, it received a food pellet. This immediate reward encouraged the rat to repeat the behavior. This method, where a reward follows every instance of the behavior, is known as continuous reinforcement. It is highly effective for establishing new behaviors quickly.
    Once a behavior is learned,...
    Timing and Consequences on Behavior01:08

    Timing and Consequences on Behavior

    In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective. 
    Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...
    Incentive Theory: Pull Theory of Motivation01:18

    Incentive Theory: Pull Theory of Motivation

    Incentive theory, or the "pull theory" of motivation, suggests that external rewards primarily drive behavior. Individuals are motivated to engage in activities when they anticipate a desirable outcome. This is why people often work hard for promotions or study intensively to achieve high grades. These incentives can be tangible, physical rewards such as money or promotions, or intangible, non-physical rewards like praise and social recognition.
    The theory differentiates between intrinsic and...