DISCUSSION AND RESPONSE

Answer the initial discussion (below), then reply to the classmate’s response to the discussion by following the instructions as instructed below to classmate’s post.

INITIAL DISCUSSION Let's say I am a strict Skinnerian- a behavior therapist that only focuses on measuring and changing overt behaviors. What are the components that are opposed to this approach to therapy? What's missing?

Respond to the Classmate’s Discussion (below) as you would in a face-

to face class by stating why you agree and asking questions pertaining

to the discussion.

CLASSMATE’S DISCUSSION

The whole system of B. F. Skinner is based on operant conditioning. The organism is "operating" on the environment, which just means that it is doing what it does. During this "operating," the organism meets a special kind of stimulus called a reinforcing stimulus or just a reinforcer. This special stimulus makes the operant, or the behavior that happens right before the reinforcer, happen more often. This is called operant conditioning: "the behavior is followed by a consequence, and the nature of the consequence changes the organism's tendency to repeat the behavior in the future."

Skinner's theory focuses almost entirely on behavior that can be seen, ignoring things like thoughts and feelings that happen inside the mind. This method can make it hard to understand how complicated people act. Ignoring genetic and biological factors: Skinner's theory says that environment and learning are more important than genetic and biological factors in shaping behavior. This method doesn't take into account how much natural traits and biological predispositions affect behavior. Also, Skinner's theory can only be used to explain simple behaviors. It doesn't work as well for more complicated things like personality disorders, PTSD, and social interactions. People have said that Skinner's use of techniques to change behavior, such as operant conditioning, is dehumanizing and manipulative. Critics say that these methods can be used in unethical ways to control behavior, especially in places like schools and prisons.

In the end, B. F. Skinner's method didn't pay enough attention to thinking and internal mental processes. Also, his theory doesn't pay much attention to how things like memory, attention, and problem-solving affect behavior. This can make it hard to

understand complicated human behavior, especially in areas like learning and making decisions.