Which theorist is best known for research related to positive and negative reinforcement in behaviorism?

The correct answer highlights B.F. Skinner as the theorist best known for his research on positive and negative reinforcement within the framework of behaviorism. Skinner's work fundamentally transformed the understanding of behavior through his operant conditioning model, which emphasizes how consequences shape behavior.

Positive reinforcement involves the introduction of a desirable stimulus to encourage a behavior, while negative reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus to strengthen a behavior. Skinner conducted extensive experiments, often using animals, to showcase how rewards and punishments could modify behavior over time. His findings have had profound implications in various fields, including education, psychology, and behavior modification.

The other theorists, while influential in their respective areas, do not focus primarily on reinforcement and behaviorism. Albert Bandura is known for social learning theory and the concept of observational learning. Jean Piaget is celebrated for his developmental stages of cognitive growth in children. Noam Chomsky is renowned for his contributions to linguistics and the study of language acquisition. These distinctions clarify why Skinner is the leading figure associated with the principles of reinforcement in behaviorism.