B.F. Skinner and his Behavioral Theory

Abstract

This paper focuses over the life of B.F. Skinner and his work throughout his life. His theory of Behaviorism and his work of Psychology are one of the foundations on which principles of Psychology are laid. The theory of Behaviorism is looked into under various aspects in the following paper.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

Discussion1

Biography1

Theory2

Schedules of Reinforcement3

The Twelve Steps vs. The Humanistic approach4

Myth and Misperception5

Myth 1: He discounted the role of psychology while explaining behavior5

Myth 2: Behaviors can be conditioned5

Myth 3: He neglected the uniqueness of an individual6

Myth 4: Punishment controls behaviors6

Motivation and Skinner6

Personality and Skinner7

Affect, Cognition and Behavior7

Relationship between self and others8

Nature of Health and Well-being8

Psychopathology8

Therapeutic implications9

Cultural Context and Skinner9

His Works9

Conclusion10

References11

B.F. Skinner and his Behavioral Theory

Introduction

This paper outlines the biography and theories of B.F. Skinner in detail highlighting his theories and its impact. Also, the paper highlights how his theory is applied in various aspects of life and how it evolved overtime.

Discussion

Biography

B.F. Skinner, a psychologist, is famous for his theory of behaviorism. The theory rejected any form of free will. Skinner was born in Pennsylvania. His father was a lawyer. He graduated from Hamilton College in New York in 1926 with English as the majors. He wanted to be a writer but he gave up this passion later. His analysis of psychology articles by various philosophers of his time made him find a new path in life. He then did his M.A and Ph.D. from Harvard University with psychology as the majors (Swedin, 2005). He remained as a researcher in his university for five years. He was of the opinion that human behavior can be explained only through observed actions. He came up with a Skinner box inside which the behavior of the rat was monitored under a controlled environment. Also, he proposed the theory of operant conditioning according to which positive or negative rewards have a behavioral impact on animals extending to humans.

He got married in 1936 and had two daughters. For his second daughter, he invented a mechanical crib which stimulated her in a clean environment (Swedin, 2005). When he described the crib in his article in 1945, people reacted with interest to his invention.

Skinner received a contract during World War II. The purpose was to train the pigeons using the operant conditioning theory for guiding the missile towards a target. The idea worked, however it was not implemented in real. Skinner became a professor of psychology after the war. His behavioral theory had developed his reputation. He returned to Harvard in 1948. His novel “Walden Two” attracted attention and made him an icon. He remained at Harvard till 1974. He got many honors (Swedin, 2005). However, his theory was later rejected but its stance always remains when different theories are considered in modern psychology.

Skinner wanted to be a writer at first when he majored in English. But he dropped this field and came to psychology. He has written a number of books in the subject. The book that is remembered by many is Walden II, ...