An Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis, emphasizing unconscious drives as determinants of human behavior. Positioning himself against Freud's ideas, Skinner critiques psychoanalysis in his work for relying on "explanatory fictions."

A Russian physiologist renowned for his work on classical conditioning through experiments with dogs. Pavlov's focus on reflexive responses influenced Skinner's development of operant conditioning, focusing on consequences shaping behavior.

An American psychologist and a founder of humanistic psychology, advocating for individual freedom and personal growth. Rogers' emphasis on non-directive therapy contrasts with Skinner's focus on environmental control of behavior.

An American psychologist known for his "law of effect," which states behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to recur. His work with trial and error learning influenced Skinner's operant conditioning framework.

Considered the father of modern behaviorism for advancing the study of observable behavior over mental states. His stimulus-response model laid the groundwork for Skinner's operant conditioning, expanding on the role of reinforcement.