SKINNER
Objectives:
- Recognize cases of positive reinforcement.
- Understand the scope and limits of Skinner's environmentalism.
- Recognize the difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
- Form an opinion on the importance of behaviorism and support this opinion with evidence.
For an overview of behaviorism, see "Behaviorism: A Critical Look"
The basic concepts of operant conditioning, or instrumental learning, are described in the table below.
| REINFORCEMENT | PUNISHMENT |
| POSITIVE | The procedure of adding an event or thing to a situation contingent on the occurrence of a behavior.
Probability of occurrence (POO) of the related behavior stays the same or increases. |
| The procedure of adding an event or thing to a situation contingent on the occurrence of a behavior.
Probability of occurrence (POO) of the related behavior decreases. |
|
| NEGATIVE | The procedure of removing an event or thing from a situation--or preventing a future event from occurring--contingent on the occurrence of a behavior.
Probability of occurrence (POO) of the related behavior stays the same or increases. |
| The procedure of removing an event or thing from a situation--or preventing a future event from occurring--contingent on the occurrence of a behavior.
Probability of occurrence (POO) of the related behavior decreases. |
|
Skinner is sometimes portrayed as a rabid environmentalist. In his paper, "Selection by Consequences," however, Skinner considers the role of biological factors, namely evolution by natural selection. Evolution can be considered environmental selection of the whole organism, whereas operant conditioning is selection of particular behaviors.
Activity: Given Skinner's argument in "Selection by Consequences," is behaviorism thoroughly environmentalist? Why or why not?
Activity: What is the difference between Pavlov's classical conditioning and Skinner's operant conditioning?
Activity: Debate: Is behaviorism a great idea in personality?
Activity: Behaviorism: The Game!
Last modified September 2003
Visited times since September 2003
Comments?
Home to Psychology of Personality
Home to Great Ideas in Personality