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Chapter 14: Problem 2

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?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The preference of the individual is subjective and based on an analysis of the particular details, workings, implications, and critiques of both Skinner's and the opposing viewpoint.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Views

Read up on Skinner's ideas about operant conditioning and how it's used as a form of control. His belief is that such control is unselfish and benign, as it involves guaranteeing others some form of reward or reinforcement. You should also look into the critics' perspective about Skinner's ideas, particularly their concerns about their threat to individual freedom.
02

Reflect on Views

Once you're familiar with both perspectives, spend some time reflecting on them. Consider points such as what you agree with each perspective, the implications of each view, and areas where either view may fall short.
03

Formulate Your Preference

Choose the view which resonates with you the most or you believe is most valid and formulate your own opinion. This is your personal preference and it should be based on your beliefs and observations.
04

Justifying Your Preference

It's important to not just state your preference, but also provide a reason why you prefer one view over the other. This should involve highlighting the strengths of the preferred view and/ or the weaknesses of the opposing view.

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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.

Skinner is highly critical of current educational practices, and argues that they do not produce a lasting love of learning. "Suppose we wish to teach a student to read 'good books'- -books which do not reinforce the reader sentence by sentence or even paragraph by paragraph, but only when hundreds of pages have prepared him for a convincing denouement. The student must be exposed to a program of materials that builds up a tendency to read in the absence of reinforcement. [But] schools are likely to arrange just the wrong conditions, [as by forcing] books on students before they have had adequate preparation. It is therefore not surprising that few students even in good universities learn to read books of this sort and do so for the rest of their lives" \((1968, \mathrm{p} .79) .\) What is your evaluation of Skinner's criticism?

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?

Give some examples of poorly designed contingencies of reinforcement that are common in our society.

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.
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