Behavioral Theory

Behavioral Theory

Question 1

Application of B.F. Skinner's concept of environmental control to today's culture of social media i.e. Internet, YouTube, surveillance security cameras and tweeting.

B.F Skinner is considered to be the founder of the behaviorist school of psychology. Skinner believed that in the study of human behavior; people should focus on the observable characteristics and stimuli. If we apply Skinner's concept in today's fast paced world of internet, surveillance and rapid communications; it can be ascertained that people when interacting on social media i.e. Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube tend to pay attention to the observable characteristics and behavior of people.

The behavior of people on social networking websites is quite observable and people often tend to pretend something that they are not. From the perspective of a behaviorist, the environmental control of behavior is quite evident in communication on social media. Social media websites allow people to speak their minds which often results in revealing their unconscious. Hence, the behavior of people on social media should be taken on face value and no speculations should be made on the underlying hypothetical constructs or psychological events.

Question 2

Changes in Behavior due to Environmental Control

If we assess the behavior of individuals; it is quite evident that people's behavior is controlled to some extent by the external stimuli in the environment. People tend to behave differently due to the presence of a stimulus i.e. people. Also, environmental triggers such as weather also have an effect on the behavior.

Question 3

Explanation of Response with Respect to Behavioral Theory

If we analyze our response with respect to behavioral theory; it can be ascertained that individuals do act in accordance to their surroundings. It is quite observable in everyday communication and functioning of people. Skinner believed that people's behavior can be amended with the help of ...