Skinners Theory

Do you have children that have behavioral problems? Have you ever wondered “how can I correct their behavior”? Operant conditioning may be the way to go. A psychologist named B.F. Skinner developed several theories using operant conditioning. These theories included reinforcements, punishments, and superstitious behavior. Operant condition is a voluntary behavior that is modified using reinforcements or punishments. When using these theories the behavior can reoccur or stop depending on the consequences.

Skinner designed a box known as the “skinner box”. The box was specifically designed for a rat. When the rat would hit the bar it activated the food hopper. The food hopper would then drop food pellets for the rat. The rat soon realized that by pressing the bar (the operant behavior) the food hopper would release the food (reinforcement). When he wanted to punish the rat he would remove all the food so when the rat would press the bar no food would drop down (punishment). This method is used by many professionals and parents today.

Skinner also had a theory known as superstitious behavior. He put a bird in the “skinner box”. There was no way for the bird to get food except for in intervals when Skinner would drop food pellets in the box. Skinner realized the bird would repeat whatever it was doing prior to receiving the food. This was pure coincidence that the food appeared after the bird action. Many people today think much the same way, if they wear or act in certain ways they will get better results from the situation.

Skinner’s theories changed the way the world viewed behavior. His theories of operant conditioning, reinforcements, punishments, and superstitious behavior opened new doors for psychologist. These theories are still used today in psychology, schools, parenting and even in animal training.