Skinner Article

Skinner Article

One of the most influential psychologists ever is B. F. Skinner. In 1938, Skinner wrote The Behavior of Organisms in which the uniqueness of Operant behavior where being defined. Skinner then went on to develop The Theory of Operant Conditioning. Operant conditioning is the idea that behavior is, determined by its consequences, be they reinforcements or punishments. These consequences make it more or less likely that the behavior will be, repeated again.

There three types of operant's, that Skinner identifies that can follow behavior Neutral operant, reinforcement, and punishment. Neutral operant are responses that neither, decrease or increase the likelihood of the behavior repeating itself.

Reinforcement, are responses that increase the prospect of the behavior repeating itself. Reinforcements can be of a positive and strengthen a behavior. This is done through a consequence that an individual finds rewarding. The removal of an unpleasant experience can also strengthen behavior. This is, known as negative reinforcement.

Lastly, punishment are responses that decrease the likelihood of the behavior repeating itself. Punishment is, designed to weaken or dispose of a response rather than increase it. Like, reinforcement punishment can work by either applying an unpleasant experience or by removing a rewarding experience.

Skinner also believed in superstitious behavior, which is a belief in something that can be, caused by an accidental reinforcement. Superstitious behavior is a belief

Skinner Article

seen in humans not animals. Nevertheless, Skinner proved his belief with eight pigeons in which he put in a Skinner box and their behaviors recorded. Six of the birds showed very specific, behaviors that they did not do before the conditioning procedure. Skinner claims they became superstitious from the conditioning procedure. Skinner's principles is still incorporated today with mental health professional, teachers, and animal trainers.