B. F. Skinner began his career researching how different reinforcement schedules affect the learning process, using what he would eventually call operant conditioning (Mikheeva, 2015). Using his theory, Skinner would play a significant role in the development of behavioral psychology, enhancing the research methods and behavioral techniques for many generations to come. This paper will explore some of his behavioral techniques as well as his ideas of generalization and discrimination, and his concept of the technology of behavior. Skinner believed that society could use the technology of behavior to create a positive reinforcing culture. He thought that if the outlines of this technology were followed, society would be en route to creating
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An example of this is self-control processes, which play a significant role in Skinner’s theory of personality, as they are actions triggered by the individual to alter or influence their own behavior (Mikheeva, 2015). One such self-control technique is physical restraint, or when one controls themselves by restraints. An example of this is when a person puts a hand over their mouth to prevent themselves from laughing. Another technique is the use of physical aids to enhance or decrease a behavior. For example, an individual may begin to wear glasses to prevent themselves from squinting in order to read things. Performing alternate responses is another self-control technique that uses competing activities to decrease undesirable habits, such as working out to avoid stress eating. Self-punishment is also a self-control technique process that an individual can utilize. Self-punishment is when an individual uses an object or stimulus to decrease the frequency of a behavior. An example of this would be snapping one’s wrist with a rubber band in order to restrain from …show more content…
Behavior modifications are a group of procedures that look to change behavior using reinforcement or punishment principles (Mikheeva, 2015). One behavior modification is the use of aversive techniques, or when punishment principles are used to put an end to undesirable behaviors, such as a dog being sprayed with water when barking. Discrimination training is another form of behavior modification. It is a procedure where individuals learn to use certain behaviors only in specific situations and stop themselves from using that behavior in all other areas. For example, obese individuals will learn to only eat when in the kitchen, and teach themselves that they are no longer allowed to eat in front of the TV, in their bedroom, etc. Another behavior modification technique is token economy. Token economy is often used in hospital settings, where patients earn tokens for performing desirable and necessary behaviors. These earned tokens can then be exchanged for goods and/or experiences. Response costs is also a behavior modification technique that takes away positive reinforcers after an undesirable behavior is performed. For example, if a child hits his brother while watching TV, the mother will take away the privilege of watching
An example of this is self-control processes, which play a significant role in Skinner’s theory of personality, as they are actions triggered by the individual to alter or influence their own behavior (Mikheeva, 2015). One such self-control technique is physical restraint, or when one controls themselves by restraints. An example of this is when a person puts a hand over their mouth to prevent themselves from laughing. Another technique is the use of physical aids to enhance or decrease a behavior. For example, an individual may begin to wear glasses to prevent themselves from squinting in order to read things. Performing alternate responses is another self-control technique that uses competing activities to decrease undesirable habits, such as working out to avoid stress eating. Self-punishment is also a self-control technique process that an individual can utilize. Self-punishment is when an individual uses an object or stimulus to decrease the frequency of a behavior. An example of this would be snapping one’s wrist with a rubber band in order to restrain from …show more content…
Behavior modifications are a group of procedures that look to change behavior using reinforcement or punishment principles (Mikheeva, 2015). One behavior modification is the use of aversive techniques, or when punishment principles are used to put an end to undesirable behaviors, such as a dog being sprayed with water when barking. Discrimination training is another form of behavior modification. It is a procedure where individuals learn to use certain behaviors only in specific situations and stop themselves from using that behavior in all other areas. For example, obese individuals will learn to only eat when in the kitchen, and teach themselves that they are no longer allowed to eat in front of the TV, in their bedroom, etc. Another behavior modification technique is token economy. Token economy is often used in hospital settings, where patients earn tokens for performing desirable and necessary behaviors. These earned tokens can then be exchanged for goods and/or experiences. Response costs is also a behavior modification technique that takes away positive reinforcers after an undesirable behavior is performed. For example, if a child hits his brother while watching TV, the mother will take away the privilege of watching