Behavioral analysis

Behavioral analysis was first systematically researched by B.F. Skinner. Using various amimal species, Skinner designed experiments that demonstrated that immediate positive reinforcement after the subject performs a target behavior let to a predictable change in the animals behavior.

Example

If a pigeon is given food pellets everytime it rings a bell, the pigeon will learn to deliberately ring the bell in order to receive the reward (or reinforcement) of food pellets. The first ringing of the bell on the pigeon's behalf may have been accidental. However, the pigeon soon learns to associate the delivery of food pellets with the ringing of the bell.

Consequently the pigeon will ring the bell with the expectation of receiving food pellets.