B.F. Skinner (1904-1990)
Operant conditioning is what B.F. Skinner is best known for. The idea that one performs a task in order to gain a reward of some kind. Skinner classified all behaviors as either operant or respondent. Respondent behaviors are involuntary behaviors, such as closing your eyes when you sneeze. Skinner conducted a number of experiments, his most famous being his conditioned pigeons. They were taught to peck a button, and turn around in order to receive food. You can watch the experiment here!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ctJqjlrHA Walden IIwas a work of Skinner that described a utopian society than was structured around operant conditioning. About Behaivorismis a summary of Skinner’s theories. One of Skinner’s most criticised ideas was his “baby tenderizer”, a climate controlled crib that he designed for his daughter. It was dubbed the name “human fishbowl” and said to be cruel. Skinner’s daughter was rumored to be psychologically ill, however she grew up to be a healthy and happy adult. Although Skinner is not alive today, there are many examples in our lives that exhibit Skinner’s ideas…
