A Skinner box is a controlled environment used in behavioral psychology to study animal behavior, particularly learning and reinforcement. Named after psychologist B.F. Skinner, the box typically contains a lever or button that an animal, such as a rat or pigeon, can press to receive a reward, like food. This setup allows researchers to observe how behavior changes based on different reinforcement schedules. Inside the box, various stimuli can be introduced, such as lights or sounds, to see how they affect the animal's actions. The Skinner box is instrumental in understanding concepts like operant conditioning, where behaviors are modified through rewards or punishments.