Psychology Chapter 16: B.F. Skinner

Questions and Answers

What has research with Skinner's behaviour management techniques generally shown?

Differences in temperament affect the manner in which people respond to behaviour management techniques.

With what schedule of reinforcement is an organism reinforced for the first response following a designated period of time?

Variable-interval

Partial reinforcement

Continuous reinforcement

Fixed-interval (correct)

After what have passive resistance techniques been most likely used according to Skinner?

Escape and revolt have failed.

What did Skinner view Freud's unconsciously motivated defense mechanisms as?

Inappropriate behaviours shaped by environmental contingencies. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Skinner's philosophy of science.

Skinner believed that scientific behaviorism should not reference needs, instincts, or motives, emphasizing empirical observation and the search for lawful relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss Skinner's concept of humanity.

Skinner was a determinist who believed people are controlled by their environment; he proposed that humans are adaptable and can learn to live harmoniously with their surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized Skinner's approach to behavioral analysis?

Behavioral models avoided speculations and focused on observable behavior, rejecting the notion of free will. Signup and view all the answers

What is the biography overview of B.F. Skinner?

B.F. Skinner was born in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania in 1904, initially wanted to be a writer, turned to psychology, earned a PhD from Harvard, and taught at various universities until his death in 1990. Signup and view all the answers

What are the precursors to Skinner's scientific behaviorism?

Modern learning theory has roots in the work of Edward L. Thorndike, particularly his law of effect regarding responses followed by satisfiers or annoyers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Behaviour Management Techniques

Differences in temperament influence responses to behavior management techniques in individuals.

Reinforcement Schedules

Fixed-interval reinforcement involves rewarding an organism for its first response after a specified time period.

Passive Resistance

Skinner posited that passive resistance arises primarily when escape and revolt have failed.

Behavioral Interpretation

Skinner's perspective contrasts with Freud; he considered defense mechanisms as inappropriate behaviors shaped by environmental influences rather than unconscious motivations.

Philosophy of Science

Skinner maintained that scientific behaviorism should exclude references to needs, instincts, or motives, prioritizing empirical observation.
He characterized science as cumulative, evidence-based, and focused on identifying order and lawful relationships in behavior.
Human behavior is deemed predictable and controllable based on historical reinforcements, despite appearing individually determined at times.

Concept of Humanity

Skinner viewed humans as determined by environmental factors, arguing that personal control equates to manipulating one’s environment.
He believed that people can self-reflect and that behavior can be scientifically observed.
Optimistic about human adaptability, Skinner envisioned a utopian society based on favorable environmental arrangements to increase positive outcomes.
He recognized individual uniqueness due to varying reinforcement histories and maintained that correct behavior arises from appropriate exposure to reinforcement.

Overview of Behavioral Analysis

Skinner's behavioral models emphasized observable behavior, dismissing speculative theories about unobservable constructs, earning him the title of radical behaviorist.
He asserted that human behavior is strictly determined by environmental influences rather than physiological aspects, promoting the idea that personality can be shaped through environmental control.

Biography of B.F. Skinner

Born in 1904 in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Skinner initially aspired to be a writer before shifting to psychology.
He obtained a PhD from Harvard and taught at the University of Minnesota and Indiana, later returning to Harvard until his death in 1990.

Precursors to Scientific Behaviorism

Modern learning theory is grounded in Edward L. Thorndike's work, notably his "law of effect," which states that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are reinforced, while those followed by negative consequences are inhibited.

Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 16 on B.F. Skinner and his theories of behavioral analysis. It includes various flashcards that explore the impact of temperament on behavior management techniques and the schedules of reinforcement. Test your understanding of Skinner's principles in psychology.