Psychology
How Operant Conditioning Shapes Habit Formation
Quick fact
One study found that forming a new habit can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days, with the average being 66 days—operant conditioning explains how repeated reinforcement gradually makes the behavior automatic.
Why this is interesting
Ever wonder why checking your phone first thing in the morning feels almost automatic? That simple action is a habit sculpted by rewards, and operant conditioning is the invisible hand behind it.