Which of the following is a statement with which Skinner's followers would agree? A. Most behavior is controlled by unconscious forces. B. The goal of behavior is self-actualization. C. Nature is more influential than nurture. D. Free will is an illusion.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: D: "Free will is an illusion."

Step by step solution

01

Looking at option A

Analyzing option A: "Most behavior is controlled by unconscious forces." This statement is more related to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, which focuses on the role of the unconscious mind in shaping our behaviors. Skinner and his followers would likely disagree with this statement, as they believe that behavior is more directly influenced by environmental factors and reinforcements.
02

Looking at option B

Analyzing option B: "The goal of behavior is self-actualization." This statement is more aligned with the humanistic approach to psychology, particularly Abraham Maslow's theory of self-actualization. Skinner's behaviorist approach does not emphasize self-actualization as a primary goal, but rather the role of the environment in shaping behavior through operant conditioning. Skinner and his followers would likely disagree with this statement.
03

Looking at option C

Analyzing option C: "Nature is more influential than nurture." This statement leans towards the nature side of the nature versus nurture debate, suggesting that genetics and innate qualities are more influential in determining behavior than the environment. Skinner's behaviorist approach argues that the environment and reinforcement are crucial factors in shaping behavior, so this statement is not in line with Skinner's beliefs.
04

Looking at option D

Analyzing option D: "Free will is an illusion." This statement reflects the deterministic perspective that Skinner's behaviorist approach tends to adhere to. Skinner believed that all behavior is the result of environmental influences and reinforcements, suggesting that humans do not have free will. This is the statement that Skinner's followers would most likely agree with.
05

Conclusion

After analyzing each statement, we can conclude that Skinner's followers would most likely agree with statement D: "Free will is an illusion." This statement aligns with Skinner's behaviorist approach, which emphasizes the role of the environment and reinforcement in shaping behavior and rejects the idea of free will.

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