Skinner believed that the major influence on human behavior is learning from our environment. His research was based on his Theory of Operant Conditioning.
Operant conditioning is changing behaviors by the use of reinforcement, which is given after the desire response. Skinner identifies three types of responses: the neutral operants are responses from the environment that neither increase nor decreases the probability of behaviors being repeated, the reinforcers (positive or negative) are responses from the environment that increase the probability of behaviors being repeated and punishers are responses from the environment that decreases the likelihood of behaviors being repeated (weakens behavior).
Educational Theory and Social Effiency - As indicated in the Curriculum Theory Book, the theories of the behavioral psychologists helped bring about support for the Socia lEfficiency Ideology in education. Schiro (2013) says, “Behavioral psychology, as first interpreted by John B. Watson (1878-1958) and Edward L. Thorndike (1874-1949) and later interpreted by B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) was rapidly accepted as the psychological base for the Social Efficiency ideology” (p.80) Educational leaders like Franklin Bobbit and later, Ralph Tyler promoted the social efficiency ideology and used the ideas of the behavioral psychologists to help support their view (Shiro, 2013, p. 57). Supporters of social efficiency feel, “that the way to get learners to acquire a behavior is to arrange the conditions in which they learn so that they are immediately rewarded or given reinforcement when they emit the desired behavior” (Schiro, 2013, p.80). This is what Skinner was trying to achieve with his “teaching machine”. He felt that students need immediate reinforcement.
Operant conditioning is changing behaviors by the use of reinforcement, which is given after the desire response. Skinner identifies three types of responses: the neutral operants are responses from the environment that neither increase nor decreases the probability of behaviors being repeated, the reinforcers (positive or negative) are responses from the environment that increase the probability of behaviors being repeated and punishers are responses from the environment that decreases the likelihood of behaviors being repeated (weakens behavior).
Educational Theory and Social Effiency - As indicated in the Curriculum Theory Book, the theories of the behavioral psychologists helped bring about support for the Socia lEfficiency Ideology in education. Schiro (2013) says, “Behavioral psychology, as first interpreted by John B. Watson (1878-1958) and Edward L. Thorndike (1874-1949) and later interpreted by B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) was rapidly accepted as the psychological base for the Social Efficiency ideology” (p.80) Educational leaders like Franklin Bobbit and later, Ralph Tyler promoted the social efficiency ideology and used the ideas of the behavioral psychologists to help support their view (Shiro, 2013, p. 57). Supporters of social efficiency feel, “that the way to get learners to acquire a behavior is to arrange the conditions in which they learn so that they are immediately rewarded or given reinforcement when they emit the desired behavior” (Schiro, 2013, p.80). This is what Skinner was trying to achieve with his “teaching machine”. He felt that students need immediate reinforcement.
Today Skinner's idea of Operant conditioning is found in many areas:
Parenting Parenting has evolved from the idea of punishment as a sole strategy to positive reinforcement to teach correct behaviors. Modern parenting literature suggests that positive reinforcement has a larger impact than punishment. "Positive reinforcement reinforces what the child is doing right rather than concentrating on what the child is doing wrong. It increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated. It supports your child's positive deeds and qualities through enthusiasm, descriptive encouragement, and natural, logical rewards" (Heineman, 2006). Education Programs such as PCM (Professional Crisis Management) and PBS (Positive Behavior Support) is widely used in the world of education. The PCM system is inclusive of the Crisis Continuum, which includes Stable functioning, Pre-Crisis, Crisis and Post-Crisis. This system focuses on its Stable functioning level to decrease crisis situation and increase correct behaviors, by teaching behaviors through immediate reinforcement for stable and relax (target) behaviors. Another widely used Program in education is PBS. The token economy is at the core of PBS practice. Work Place Skinner’s idea of reinforcement, increasing correct behavior has also been adopted in the work place. Performance pay, bonuses, and commissions are all forms of positive reinforcements geared to increase productivity (desired behavior). |