B.F. Skinner's Positivism and Functional Analysis

B.F. Skinner's Positivism

• Skinner's approach to science was heavily influenced by Francis Bacon and, to a lesser extent, Ernst Mach.
• He believed scientists should focus on collecting empirical facts and using those facts to infer knowledge, rather than developing theories and deducing facts from those theories.
• Skinner viewed science as descriptive and inductive rather than theoretical and deductive.
• Skinner's approach was nontheoretical, rejecting the theoretical aspects of logical positivism.
• He believed that logical positivism allowed for too many confounding variables to influence empirical research.
• His primary focus was on manipulating environmental events and observing their effects on behavior.
• This is known as functional analysis.

Functional Analysis of Behavior

• A functional analysis examines the relationship between environmental events and behavioral events.
• This approach excludes internal events, as they are events themselves and require explanation.
• Skinner believed internal events could not serve as explanations or causes of behavior.
• He referred to this as the "empty organism" approach.
• Skinner was not interested in the internal workings of organisms or participants.

Operant Behavior

• Skinner identified two types of behavior:
  • Respondent behavior: This is behavior linked to environmental stimuli, like reflexes. (Watson and Pavlov primarily studied this type of behavior)
  • Operant behavior: Behavior influenced by its consequences. It operates on the environment, producing consequences. (Modeled on Thorndike's work).

Operant Conditioning

• Skinner's free operant methodology enables organisms to respond freely in experimental chambers (Skinner Boxes).
• The experimental environment allows for the reinforcement of specific responses based on predefined contingencies (predetermined rules).
• This highlights the power of reinforcement.
• For example: An organism may make a few lever presses without reinforcement, but will significantly increase the rate of lever pressing when reinforcement is introduced.
• Operant conditioning occurs when an organism's behavior is altered by the consequences it produces.

Reinforcement

• Reinforcement is the process by which a consequence of a behavior increases the probability or rate of that behavior.
• Reinforcers are identified solely by their effects on behavior.
• Any consequence can be a reinforcer as long as it increases the probability of the behavior it follows.

Schedules of Reinforcement

• Fixed Ratio: Reinforcement is delivered after a set number of behaviors (e.g., buy 10 coffees, get 1 free).
• Variable Ratio: Reinforcement is delivered after a random number of behaviors (e.g., slot machines).
• Fixed Interval: Reinforcement is delivered for behavior after a fixed amount of time (e.g., Tuesday discount prices).
• Variable Interval: Reinforcement is delivered for behavior after a random amount of time (e.g., checking a phone for a message).

Reinforcement Contingencies in the Environment

• Environmental contingencies influence which behaviors are increased and which are not.
• Altering these contingencies leads to changes in behavior. (Selection of behavior by consequences)
• Darwinian ideas can be applied to this concept.
  • Organism produces a variety of behaviors.
  • Some behaviors lead to consequences that increase their frequency (functional, reinforcing).
  • These effective behaviors are selected to be part of the organism's repertoire, while others are not.

Controlling Behavior: Reinforcement vs. Punishment

• Reinforcement exerts a more effective control over behavior than punishment.
• Skinner believed that unwanted behaviors should be ignored, and parents should focus on reinforcing desired actions.

Applications

• Changing reinforcement contingencies leads to behavior change.
• Education: Skinner criticized the school system's reliance on punishment rather than reinforcement contingencies.
• Behavior Therapy: Treatment centers on eliminating reinforcers for abnormal behavior and arranging contingencies to strengthen desirable behavior.
  • Token economies are commonly used.

Behaviorism Today

• Skinner remains the most influential behaviorist.
• Behaviorism and neobehaviourism have lost influence due to factors such as:
  • Evidence of genetic influence on behavior.
  • Criticisms of logical positivism.
• The major legacy of behaviorism: Psychologists generally now agree that the subject matter of psychology is overt behavior.

Explore B.F. Skinner's unique approach to science, emphasizing empirical facts over theoretical frameworks. This quiz delves into his ideas on functional analysis and the relationship between environmental events and behavior. Test your understanding of Skinner's perspectives and their implications within psychology.