BTEC Applied Psychology Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Prep

The primary aim of Skinner's 1932 experiment was to determine if behavior is repeated with pleasant consequences. This aligns closely with the principles of operant conditioning, which Skinner developed. In his experiments, particularly using the Skinner box, he observed how rats would learn to perform certain behaviors, like pressing a lever, when these actions resulted in rewards such as food. This demonstrated that behaviors followed by positive outcomes are more likely to be repeated, highlighting the essential connection between reinforcement and learning in behavior modification.

While environmental conditions can certainly impact behavior, as suggested by one of the other choices, the focus of Skinner's work was on how reinforcement shapes behavior rather than just how the environment influences it. Similarly, although fear responses and cognitive functions in animals are significant areas of study within psychology, they were not the focus of Skinner's foundational work on operant conditioning. The clarity and specificity of determining behavior repetition due to reinforcement set Skinner's experiment apart in the realm of behavioral psychology.