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B.F. Skinner’s Scientific Behaviorism Personality Theory Podcast: Transcript

Kathryn Crook, Kayla Gipson, Sarah Ruggles, Tim Brown, Bernice Hall, & Stacy Hudson

PSY/405

June 5, 2017

Dr. Judith Sugg

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Welcome (Stacy)

Hello listeners, this is Stacy Hudson from UOP Channel 7’s weekly podcast where we delve into

the different personality theories and the theorists who devised them. Today we will be talking

about B.F. Skinner and his Behavioral Analysis personality theory to explain human behavior.

Introduction (Stacy)

As aforementioned, B.F. Skinner created the Behavioral Analysis theory to explain human

behavior, but he first began his studies on animals, and because of the research he conducted on

animals Ivan Pavlov significantly influenced Skinner. Edward Thorndike and John B. Watson

were behaviorists that Skinner was most impacted by in his Behavioral Analysis theory in

explaining human behavior.

B.F. Skinner considered the scientific method to be the impetus of explaining behavior. If one

could not provide empirical research and evidence on which a behavior could be observed, he

found no validity to a theory. He also avoided “ego, traits, drives, needs, and hunger” as notions

to explain human behavior (Feist, J., Feist, G., & Roberts, 2013, Chapter 16). He theorized that

environmental stimuli and an individual’s past were the main factors in which to explain human

behavior (Feist, J., Feist, G., & Roberts, 2013, Chapter 16).

In the following sections, I will go into further detail as to the main tenets of Skinner’s theory

and how it affects behavior. I will also be providing an example of a scenario to illustrate the

inner-workings of his theory in a more adaptable real-world scenario, as well as, explaining how

another theorist might explain the same scenario, so that you may understand the differences
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between the two theories. And, of course, I will provide you with the strengths and limitations of

Skinner’s Behavior Analysis Theory, as an explanation of this personality theory would not be

complete without these time-tested and proven aspects, as arguably B.F. Skinner would have

provided with empirical research and evidence, even on his own theory.

The Main Tenets of B.F. Skinner’s Behavior Analysis Theory and How they Affect

Behavior (Sarah)

There are many tenets of B.F. Skinner’s Behavior analysis theory which include; classical

and operant conditioning, negative/positive reinforcements, natural selection, and cultural

evolution. Skinner recognized two different type of conditioning in his time, classical and

operant. One distinction between classical and operant conditioning is that, in classical

conditioning, behavior is elicited from the organism, whereas in operant conditioning,

behavior is emitted (Feist, J., Feist, G., & Roberts, 2013, Chapter 16). Classical conditioning is

best described as a reflex to something. Behaviors that can arise from classical conditioning is

the creating of phobias, anxieties, and other fears. Operant conditioning is the immediate

reinforcement of a response and Skinner believed this is how people learned most behaviors. .

Operant conditioning changes the frequency of a response or the probability that a

response will occur (Feist, J., Feist, G., & Roberts, 2013, Chapter 16). The reinforcement

doesn’t make a behavior occur, but it can increase the chances of the behavior happening again.

According to Skinner reinforcements have two effects: it strengthens the behavior and it

rewards the person (Feist, J., Feist, G., & Roberts, 2013, Chapter 16). Not all reinforcements can

be pleasing in some circumstances they can be negative, too. A positive reinforce is known as a

stimulus that, when added to a situation it increases the probability for something to reoccur
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(Feist, J., Feist, G., & Roberts, 2013, Chapter 16). When using reinforcement in humans

behaviors can be changed both negatively and positively affecting that person. Negative

reinforcement differs from positive reinforcement in that it requires the removal of an

aversive condition, whereas positive reinforcement involves the presentation of a

beneficial stimulus (Feist, J., Feist, G., & Roberts, 2013, Chapter 16). Negative reinforcement

is similar to positive because they both result in strengthening behaviors.

Natural selection is very important in how it shapes a person’s personality. We adapt to

things in our life by having natural selection such as pupils in our eyes adapting to light changes.

This ability allows us to survive and avoid life threatening dangers in our lives. Although

natural selection helped shape some human behavior, it is probably responsible for only

a small number of people’s actions (Feist, J., Feist, G., & Roberts, 2013, Chapter 16).

Culture evolution has been considered extremely important according to Skinner in shaping

human personality. People observe certain practices in life in order to survive such as tool

making and verbal behaviors. However they only survive based on how society started these

skills. As individuals, our behavior is determined by genetic composition and especially

by our personal histories of reinforcement (Feist, J., Feist, G., & Roberts, 2013, Chapter 16).
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Example of a Situation Demonstrating the Relationship between Behavior Analysis and the

Behavior Exhibited in the Example (Stacy)

An example of a situation that many of us can relate to is that of potty-training a child. Skinner

believed in both positive and negative reinforcement. I know that in the process of potty-training

my own child, I gave her an M&M candy when she used the toilet when the need arose which

would be termed positive reinforcement according Skinner. I also praised her when she used the

toilet when she was supposed to, which is also that of positive reinforcement. The longer the

potty-training went on she was very proud of herself when she made it to the toilet, however,

there were also times that she was not able to get to the toilet in time in which she soiled her

undergarments. This would be a deemed a negative reinforcement by Skinner. However, the

negative reinforcement also served its purpose in culminating the behavior of using the toilet,

because she was not happy with soiled undergarments. She learned from both positive

reinforcements and the negative reinforcement to use the toilet when it was necessary. It was not

long before she did so without the need for positive or negative reinforcement. It became natural

for her, because of the continuous reinforcement she received while being potty-trained.

Explanation of the Example Situation According to a Different Learning or Cognitive

Theory and How This Theory Differs from Behavior Analysis (Kathryn)

Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory differs from Skinner’s theory due to the fact Bandura points
out that not only can one learn from their own experiences, but they can learn vicariously through
watching others receive a reward for a behavior or a punishment for a behavior. He believes a
majority of learning is done by observing the behaviors and both positive and negative reinforces of
others, rather than one’s own experiences.
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Using the example of a child being potty trained, if that child has a slightly older sibling or a twin that
is also being potty trained they will be able to experience both negative reinforcements and vicarious
learning. If the child learning to use the toilet sees a sibling successfully use it and observes them
receiving a special treat as a reward, they will be motivated to do the same behavior in order to also
receive a reward. Children also tend to want to receive praise and happiness from their parents, and
in watching another child receive that positive praise they will be inclined to want to receive the
praise and make their parents proud as well.

If a child sees another child soil himself and observes a negative reinforcement for this, such as the
soiled child is no longer allowed to play due to having to be cleaned up or is put in time out, the child
will learn vicariously through the negative reinforcement their playmate received. The child will learn
they do not want to be in trouble and want to continue playing and knows they can do so as long as
they do not soil their pants. Children generally do not want to receive punishment, especially after
watching a playmate be punished.

Behavior Analysis Strengths (Tim)

There are many different psychological theories and each one has its own set of strengths and

weaknesses. These strengths and weaknesses vary depending on who you ask and what the

theory is and Skinner’s theories are no different. I’m going to focus on the strengths of Skinner’s

theory and how it applies to a variety of situations. The Operant Conditioning theory proposes

that individual behavior is based off their environment and outside stimulation. It’s the outside

stimulation that will push people in one direction or another and it’s this stimulation that Skinner

sought to focus on with his theory. One of the strengths of his theory is the Positive

Reinforcement position his theory takes towards changing behavior. By providing positive

reinforcement it is far more likely that the behavior that drew the reward will happen repeatedly

instead of just that one time. The strength in this is that it can be used to alter behavior and

provide a long-term solution. Another strength of Skinners’ theory is that it provides a solid base
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to explain a large array of behavioral issues and other psychological issues that people have

which makes it extremely versatile. The biggest strength of Skinners’ theory is the application

possibilities it has for working with children and raising children. The reward/punishment based

system is ideal for raising children and provides a solid foundation for teaching children while

gaining the best results in the short and long term. These strengths and the fact that Skinners’

theories have stood on such solid ground since its proposal adds to the theory strengthening it

even more.

Behavior Analysis Limitations (Kayla)

Skinner being a very widely known American psychologist many have supported him

while others criticize his thoughts and theories. Though many strengths have been identified

within Skinners Operant Conditioning Theory, many limitations have also been identified that

such as, no room allowable for other found perspectives within his theory, Skinner was a widely

known radical behaviorist which ultimately led to no other ways of perceiving things. (J. Feist,

G.J. Feist, & Roberts, 2013,). In addition, Skinner focused solely on the subject’s reactions and

behaviors in which he observed, however, he did not focus on the mental aspect of the reaction

or behavior. (J. Feist, G.J. Feist, & Roberts, 2013,). Many individuals over time have had the

thinking process of that Skinner treated the individuals in which he was observing like the

animals, (rodents and pigeons) which began his theory. Ultimately the most commonly found

fault or limitation many have perceived within Skinners Operant Conditioning Theory is that it

has been found to not always be readily reliable. (J. Feist, G.J. Feist, & Roberts, 2013,).
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Conclusion (Bernice)

Sign Off (Stacy)

This is Stacy Hudson with UOP channel 7. I hope you enjoyed this week’s podcast. Please don’t

forget to tune into next week’s podcast where we will continue our talks on theories of

personality, and the theorists behind them.

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References

Feist, J., Feist, G.J., & Roberts, T. (2013). Theories of Personality (8th ed.). Retrieved from

The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.