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Chapter 14: Problem 12

A terrorist blows up a building in a hated foreign country. How might Skinner explain the terrorist's behavior?

Short Answer

Expert verified
According to Skinner, the terrorist's behavior can be understood as a result of operant conditioning, where behaviors are shaped by their consequences. The terrorist's actions could have been driven by both positive reinforcements (rewards), such as validation and praise, and negative reinforcements (punishments), such as personal experiences of harm or injustice. Additionally, environmental factors play a significant role in conditioning this behavior. Therefore, the terrorist becomes conditioned to commit such acts in response to these variables in their environment.

Step by step solution

01

Background of Skinner's Theory

B.F. Skinner's theory of operant conditioning explains how our behaviors are shaped by consequences. Positive consequences (rewards) increase the likelihood of behaviors, while negative consequences (punishments) decrease the probability of behaviors.
02

Applying Theory to The Behavior

In the case of the terrorist, Skinner would likely argue that their behavior is a result of both positive and negative reinforcements within their environment. If the terrorist grew up in an environment that celebrates such acts, the positive reinforcement (i.e., praise, respect, etc.) could have conditioned them to see terrorism as desirable. Conversely, if the terrorist had negative experiences with the foreign country (exploitation, oppression, violence), this could serve as punishment that drives them to retaliate.
03

Role of Environment

Skinner emphasized that environment plays a significant role in shaping behavior. This would imply that extremist ideologies, political climate, socioeconomic conditions, personal experiences, and societal reactions are all elements of the ‘environment’ that have conditioned the terrorist to behave as they have done.
04

Conditioning and Learning

Skinner would also point to a learning component in the terrorist's actions. If previous actions were met with positive outcomes (success, positive recognition), the terrorist is likely to repeat such behavior. This incessant pattern of behavior, reinforced positively or negatively, has inherent learning components that ultimately lead to the act of bombing.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

(a) Explain the difference between classical conditioning and operant conditioning. (b) Explain the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment. (c) Explain the difference between Freud's concept of repression and Skinner's view of repression.

According to Skinner, emotion is a predisposition to behave in certain ways that is caused by some external event (such as anger over a drawer that is stuck). Can an emotion such as anger be caused by an event within the individual?

Give an example from real life or from fiction to illustrate each of the following Skinnerian concepts: (a) response shaping, (b) partial reinforcement, (c) stimulus generalization, (d) discrimination, (e) extinction.

Rats in a Skinner box learn by what is called "trial and error": They try out various responses (e.g., rearing up on their hind paws, crouching, moving to the rear of the box) until they hit on the one that produces reinforcement (pressing the bar). Why do some critics regard Skinner's approach as not applicable to many areas of human endeavor?

Skinner argues that operant conditioning is an unselfish and benign form of behavior control, because others must be assured of reinforcement. Yet some critics contend that his ideas represent a serious threat to individual freedom. Which view do you prefer? Why?
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