Skinner’s Theory of Operant Conditioning and Behavior Modification
Skinner’s Theory of Operant Conditioning and Behavior Modification
Theory: Behaviorism
Theorist: B.F. Skinner
Biography:
B.F Skinner was considered to be the father of the behavioral approach to psychology, due to his prominence as a spokesperson for behaviorism (Corey, 2009). B.F. Skinner was born in 1904 (Corey, 2009). Skinner recalled his upbringing as being a warm and stable family environment (Corey, 2009). In the 8th edition of Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Gerald Corey, Ph.D. (2009) wrote that Skinner, while growing up, had a great interest “in building all sorts of things, an interest that followed him throughout his professional life” (p. 233). In 1931, Skinner graduated from Harvard University with a Ph.D. in psychology (Corey, 2009). Skinner taught at several other universities, but eventually returned to Harvard (Corey, 2009). Skinner had two daughters; one became an educational psychologist and the other an artist (Corey, 2009).
Theory Description: Throughout his career, Skinner was a strong proponent of “radical behaviorism;” in which, a primary emphasis is placed on behavior being impacted by the effects of environment (Corey, 2009). Skinner acknowledged the existence of feelings and thoughts; but, also posited that they did not cause the actions of humans; instead, it is the environment (Corey, 2009). Moreover, he theorized that there are “cause and effect links between objective, observable environmental conditions and behavior” (Corey, 2009, p. 233). Skinner maintained that the internal states of mind and motives on which psychoanalytic approaches are based, such as those of Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson, cannot be directly observed or changed received too much attention (Corey, 2009). Conversely, he felt environmental factors that could be observed and changed (behaviorism) received too little focus (Corey, 2009). Jennifer L. Stoll (2004) in her Chapter 7 contribution to the book, Counseling Theories and
Theory: Behaviorism
Theorist: B.F. Skinner
Biography:
B.F Skinner was considered to be the father of the behavioral approach to psychology, due to his prominence as a spokesperson for behaviorism (Corey, 2009). B.F. Skinner was born in 1904 (Corey, 2009). Skinner recalled his upbringing as being a warm and stable family environment (Corey, 2009). In the 8th edition of Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Gerald Corey, Ph.D. (2009) wrote that Skinner, while growing up, had a great interest “in building all sorts of things, an interest that followed him throughout his professional life” (p. 233). In 1931, Skinner graduated from Harvard University with a Ph.D. in psychology (Corey, 2009). Skinner taught at several other universities, but eventually returned to Harvard (Corey, 2009). Skinner had two daughters; one became an educational psychologist and the other an artist (Corey, 2009).
Theory Description: Throughout his career, Skinner was a strong proponent of “radical behaviorism;” in which, a primary emphasis is placed on behavior being impacted by the effects of environment (Corey, 2009). Skinner acknowledged the existence of feelings and thoughts; but, also posited that they did not cause the actions of humans; instead, it is the environment (Corey, 2009). Moreover, he theorized that there are “cause and effect links between objective, observable environmental conditions and behavior” (Corey, 2009, p. 233). Skinner maintained that the internal states of mind and motives on which psychoanalytic approaches are based, such as those of Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson, cannot be directly observed or changed received too much attention (Corey, 2009). Conversely, he felt environmental factors that could be observed and changed (behaviorism) received too little focus (Corey, 2009). Jennifer L. Stoll (2004) in her Chapter 7 contribution to the book, Counseling Theories and
References: Corey, G. (2005). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. (7th ed). United States: Brooks/Cole. Corey, G. (2009). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. (8th ed). United States: Brooks/Cole. Stoll, J.L. (2004). Behavior Therapy. In F. Chan, N.L. Berven, & K.R. Thomas (Eds.), Counseling Theories and Techniques for Rehabilitation Health Professionals (pp. 136- 158). 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002: Springer Publishing Company.