operant chamber for 2 pigeons
Date: circa 1950
Inventory Number: WJ1233
Classification: Operant Conditioning Chamber
Subject:
Maker: B. F. Skinner (1904 - 1990)
Maker: Department of Psychology, Harvard University (founded 1934)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
51 x 51 x 52 cm (20 1/16 x 20 1/16 x 20 1/2 in.)
Accessories: wire screens (4); electric cord; plastic bag containing a piece of wire and metal connections (orange and white wire)
Description:
The two chambers are separated by a plastic (lucite) sheet secured by screws and bolts, fixed to the front wooden frame. The chambers are opened by two swinging doors with wooden frames and wire screens. The side and bottom panels are made of wood finished with gray paint. The back panel is in aluminum with a square, circle, and light bulb in each chamber (from center bottom to top).
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis dual chamber was used to study the collaborative behavior of pigeons. B. F. Skinner invented this type of operant conditioning chamber when he was a graduate student at Harvard circa 1930, although his work with pigeons did not begin until WWII. The apparatus became known as a Skinner box.
ProvenancePsychology Department, William James Hall, Harvard University.