F. Skinner s Operant Conditioning Theory - 1356 Words

Burrhus F. Skinner or more commonly known as B. F. Skinner is regarded as one of the most influential psychologists in the world by his peers. In comparison to other behaviorist Skinners approach was referred to as radical behaviorism. Behaviorist search to find answers to how humans behave through observations in the environment not in the mind (Conversation 1973). Specifically, B. F. Skinner was not interested in theories that involve speculation, but more importantly theories that could be proven with explicit definitions and findings. His operant conditioning approach controlled behavior. B. F. Skinner s operant conditioning approach includes but is not limited to shaping, reinforcements, and punishments. One subject that is intertwined in all areas of study and everyday life is mathematics. Often times, math is one of the hardest concepts for people to grasp. In regards to B. F. Skinner s operant conditioning theory, mathematics can be learned in the classroom through shaping, r einforcement, and punishment. Shaping is primarily used to train animals because it reinforces behaviors that are out of the ordinary. By the same token, mathematics is foreign to humans it is not something that humans know how to do naturally. The complex numbers are not easily grasped and the very same techniques used to teach a dog to ride a bike can be implemented into a lesson to teach a child multiplication or division. Complex behaviors were learned in pigeons quickly through aShow MoreRelatedThe Theory of Operant Conditioning1136 Words   |  5 Pages The Theory of Operant Conditioning PSY390 October 6, 2014 Introduction The study of human behavior by psychologists such as B.F. Skinner, Edward Thorndike, Ivan Pavlov, and Watson is fascinating. These five psychologists each have different theories on human behavior. There are similarities and differences in each of the theories. Ivan Pavlov’s classical conditioning theory, studied animals and formed the basis for behavioral psychology (Cherry, 2013). Edward Thorndike’s theory of connectionismRead MoreSkinner And His Contribution On Behaviorism And Operant Conditioning1500 Words   |  6 Pagesby many psychologists for many years now. B.F. Skinner was known as one of the most controversial intellectual figures of the late twentieth century who introduced behavior analysis and the idea of reinforcement (Myers, 2010). Skinner developed much of his work based from the law of effect by Edward Thorndike, who was also known as a philosopher. This research paper will focus on B.F. Skinner and his contribution on behaviorism and operant conditi oning. This paper will provide an in-depth explanationRead MoreOperant Conditioning and Skinners Method1158 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Operant Conditioning Introduction Operant conditioning is also referred to as instrumental conditioning and is reported as a method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior. Through operant conditioning an association is made between a behavior and a consequence for that behavior. (Cherry, 2007) Operant conditioning was first examined by B.F. Skinner, a behaviorist and this is why it is referr3ed to as Skinnerian conditioning. (Cherry, 2007) Skinner held thatRead MoreSkinner s Theory Of Operant Conditioning Essay860 Words   |  4 Pages Burrhus Frederic (B. F.) Skinner, an American behavioral psychologist who believed the idea that human free will was an illusion and any human action was the result of the consequences of that same action, developed an experiment to verify if superstition was present in pigeons. Skinner’s beliefs led him to conduct this research experiment which ultimately declared him as one of the top psychologists of his era. Skinner believed that the best w ay to understand behavior was to look at the causesRead MoreClassical And Operant Conditioning And The Field Of Psychology997 Words   |  4 PagesHow have studies of classical and operant conditioning contributed to the field of psychology? In this essay I will outline the main principles of both operant and classical conditioning methods and discuss what both theories have contributed to the field of psychology and what they have taught us about the way in which some human behaviour occurs. Classical conditioning, also known as Pavlovian conditioning (Davis, S. F., Buskist, W. (2008). 21st century psychology: a reference handbook PageRead MoreSkinner, Behaviorism, And Operant Conditioning1671 Words   |  7 PagesSkinner took major efforts toward the approach of behaviorism to expand the field, following the initial works of Edward Thorndike. He was instrumental in redesigning and defining the law of effect. Skinner segmented behaviorism into two main sections such as respondent conditioning and operant conditioning. He associated that the later the consequences tailored to the behaviors are manipulated, the more frequent similar scenarios are played out in the future. Introduction SkinnerRead MoreClassic Behavioristic Principles of Psychology Developed by B.F. Skinner1372 Words   |  6 Pages(1992), â€Å"B. F. Skinner contributed a great deal to advancing an understanding of basic psychological processes and to the applications of science-based interventions to problems of individual and social importance.† He contributed to â€Å"human and nonhuman behavior, including human behavioral development, and to various segments of the life span, including human infancy† (p. 1411). One of Skinners greatest scientific discoveries was â€Å"single reinforcement† which became sufficient for â€Å"operant conditioningRead MoreWatsons Classical Conditioning Research Essay996 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is Watson’s Classical Conditioning? Classical Conditioning was found by Dr. Ivan Pavlov. Watson’s research was influenced by Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning Theory. Watson made a research on children’s emotions using t he Classical Conditioning model. According to Watson, love, fear, and anger are the three kinds of emotions inherited by humans (Hall 1988). He believed these emotions could be learned through conditioning. He formed his hypothesis and carried out an experiment. John BRead MoreThe Effects Of Operant Conditioning And Positive Reinforcement1332 Words   |  6 Pagespsychologists, B.F. Skinner was considered a pioneer in the development of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. While some of his radical views, such as the illusion of free will, garnered criticism, his contributions to the field of behaviorism, most notably â€Å"The Skinner Box†, made him an influential psychologist. B. F. Skinner was born on March 20, 1904 in Susquehanna Pennsylvania, a small railroad town where he enjoyed roaming the countryside. From a young age, Skinner demonstrated hisRead MoreUpchurch Shawna EDUC 205 Learning Theory Paper1384 Words   |  6 PagesLearning Theories Paper August 14, 2014 Behaviorism Behaviorism is one of the most used theories in education. Due to it can fit in both a classroom setting and at home. Educators had sought out the reason why for many years. But due to each child learns a different way so should the educator. Behaviorism was study by many great Psychologists over the years. Just to name some that had done work and publish books on the subject are, John Watson, Ivan Pavlov, Clark Hull, and B.F. Skinner. Behaviorism