Key figures
Learn more about the key figures, how they contributed to the film, and how operant conditioning can make your life better.
B. F. Skinner
Discovered operant conditioning
Keller Breland & Marian Breland Bailey
Students and research assistants of B.F. Skinner; the first to use operant conditioning technology for commercial purposes; established Animal Behavior Enterprises, the first science-based animal training company, in 1947.
- Keller Breland Bio at University of Akron
- Marian Breland Bailey Bio [PDF download]
- Animal Behavior Enterprises
- CIA's Animal Partners
- The CIA’s Most Highly-Trained Spies Weren’t Even Human - via Smithsonian Magazine
- "Evolutionary Influences" at University of Central Arkansas
- The Misbehavior of Organisms, 1961
Dr. Julie S. Vargas
Daughter of B.F. Skinner, founder of the B.F. Skinner Foundation, teacher, and behavior analyst.
Robert E. Bailey, ScD
First director of training for the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Training Program, vice president and general manager of Animal Behavior Enterprises, scientist, inventor, trainer of thousands of animals of multiple species, and teacher of those who want to be better trainers.
Simon Prins
Police officer, speaker, innovator, animal trainer and behaviorist.
Alexandra Kurland
Horse trainer, speaker, teacher, and author.
Ann Edie
Teacher, horsewoman, and animal trainer.