Skinner’s Theory of Operant Conditioning and Behavior Modification
Theory: Behaviorism
Theorist: B.F. Skinner
Biography:
B.F Skinner was considered to be the father of the behavioral approach to psychology,
due to his prominence as a spokesperson for behaviorism (Corey, 2009). B.F. Skinner was born
in 1904 (Corey, 2009). Skinner recalled his upbringing as being a warm and stable family
environment (Corey, 2009). In the 8th edition of Theory and Practice of Counseling and
Psychotherapy, Gerald Corey, Ph.D. (2009) wrote that Skinner, while growing up, had a great
interest “in building all sorts of things, an interest that followed him throughout his professional
life” (p. 233). In 1931, Skinner graduated from Harvard University with a Ph.D. in psychology
(Corey, 2009). Skinner taught at several other universities, but eventually returned to Harvard
(Corey, 2009). Skinner had two daughters; one became an educational psychologist and the other
an artist (Corey, 2009).
Theory Description:
Throughout his career, Skinner was a strong proponent of “radical behaviorism;” in
which, a primary emphasis is placed on behavior being impacted by the effects of environment
(Corey, 2009). Skinner acknowledged the existence of feelings and thoughts; but, also posited
that they did not cause the actions of humans; instead, it is the environment (Corey, 2009).
Moreover, he theorized that there are “cause and effect links between objective, observable
environmental conditions and behavior” (Corey, 2009, p. 233). Skinner maintained that the
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internal states of mind and motives on which psychoanalytic approaches are based, such as those
of Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson, cannot be directly observed or changed received too much
attention (Corey, 2009). Conversely, he felt environmental factors that could be observed and
changed (behaviorism) received too little focus (Corey, 2009).
Jennifer L. Stoll (2004) in her Chapter 7 contribution to the book, Counseling Theories
and Techniques for Rehabilitation Health Professionals posits that behaviorism or behavior
therapy itself is not just one approach to psychological therapy, but rather, a collection of
approaches and techniques which are used to change behaviors from maladaptive to adaptive
ones. However, they differ in the manner in which the technique delivers the therapeutic
treatment (Stoll, 2004). In addition, Stoll (2004) posits that, all behavioral approaches share three
common characteristics:
1. Emphasis is placed upon:
Current behavior rather than focusing on past behavior (Corey,
2001; Wilson, 2000) Thus behavior theorists treat the behavior
itself rather than underlying hypothesized causes of behavior; this
represents a marked contrast to more traditional models of
psychotherapy (e.g. psychoanalysis), which focus on the past or
historical events that contribute to the development and
manifestation of maladaptive behavior. (Stoll, 2004, p. 136)
2. Behavioral therapies utilize a scientific approach to the evaluation of the treatments’
effectiveness by setting clearly defined, objective, measurable goals (Stoll, 2004).
3. Throughout the treatment process, multiple assessments of the effectiveness are
conducted (Stoll, 2004).
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Moreover, Stoll also writes the following:
In addition to the three central commonalities identified above, Rotgers (1996)
identified seven assumptions of behavior therapy: (1) human behavior is largely
learned rather than determined by genetics; (2) the same learning processes that
create maladaptive behaviors can be used to change or eliminate them; (3)
behavior is predominantly determined by contextual and environmental
mediators; (4) covert behaviors, such as thoughts and feelings are subject to
change through the implementation of learning processes; (5) actual performance
of new behaviors in the contexts in which they are to be performed is a critical
aspect of behavior change; (6) each client is unique and requires an individualized
assessment of inappropriate behavior; and (7) the cornerstone of successful
treatment is a thorough behavioral assessment. (Stoll, 2004, p. 136)
Finally, Stoll (2004) writes that there are three distinct approaches to behavior therapy, of which,
all are aimed at “accomplishing the same ultimate goals of reducing inappropriate behaviors and
increasing appropriate behaviors” (Stoll, 2004, p. 137). These approaches are classical
conditioning, operant conditioning and cognitive-behavioral approaches (Stoll, 2004).
Theory’s Components:
For purposes of this paper, the remainder of the discussion will center on B.F. Skinner
and operant conditioning. Most of Skinner’s work concentrated upon the concept of operant
conditioning. For Skinner, the notion of reinforcement is central to operant conditioning. His
contention was that learning could not:
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Occur in the absence of some kind of reinforcement, either positive or negative.
Reinforcement involves some kind of reward or the removal of an aversive
stimulus following a response. Reinforcement takes place when the consequences
of a behavior increase the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated (Corey,
2005, p. 230).
Corey writes further that for Skinner there was the belief that actions “that are reinforced tend to
be repeated, and those that are not reinforced tend to be extinguished” (Corey, 2005, p.230).
Thus, Corey posits that operant conditioning refers to “a type of learning in which behaviors are
influenced mainly by the consequences that follow them” (Corey, 2005, p. 230). If the
environmental changes produce no reinforcement or produce aversive stimuli, the chances are
lessened that the behavior will recur (Corey, 2005).
Skinner performed his work in the laboratory and it was experimental in nature; but,
others that followed (such as, Albert Bandura) “applied his ideas to teaching, managing human
problems, and social planning (Corey, 2005, p. 227)” The aforementioned applications occurred
through the use of positive and negative reinforcement, punishment, and extinction techniques
(Corey, 2005)”. Skinner’s writings, such as, Science and Human Behavior (1953) and Walden
Two (1948), best illustrate his belief in the application of behavioral concepts to human
endeavors.
Report Prepared by: William Turner
References:
Corey, G. (2005). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. (7th ed). United
States: Brooks/Cole.
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Corey, G. (2009). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. (8th ed). United
States: Brooks/Cole.
Stoll, J.L. (2004). Behavior Therapy. In F. Chan, N.L. Berven, & K.R. Thomas (Eds.),
Counseling Theories and Techniques for Rehabilitation Health Professionals (pp. 136158). 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002: Springer Publishing Company.
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