B.F. Skinner
Early Life and Education
Burrhus Frederic Skinner, known as B.F. Skinner, was born on March 20, 1904, in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. His father was a lawyer, and his mother a housewife. He developed an interest in behavioral science at a young age, often constructing various inventions and contraptions.
Skinner attended Hamilton College in New York, where he earned his B.A. in English literature in 1926. After graduation, he spent a year attempting to become a writer but was unsuccessful. This led him to reconsider his career path and he decided to return to school to study psychology.
In 1928, Skinner enrolled at Harvard, where he was introduced to the concept of behaviorism. He completed his Ph.D. in Psychology in 1931.
Career and Research
Skinner began his career as a researcher at Harvard, where he conducted experiments on operant conditioning. This is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened by the consequences that follow it. Skinner's work built upon the theories of Edward Thorndike and Ivan Pavlov, but he introduced his own concepts and terminology.
In 1936, Skinner introduced the Skinner Box, a device used to study animal behavior. The box, also known as an operant conditioning chamber, allowed Skinner to observe how animals responded to different stimuli and to measure their behavior in a controlled environment.
In 1945, Skinner became the chair of the psychology department at Indiana University. During his time there, he continued his research on operant conditioning and developed the concept of reinforcement, a process that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again in the future.
In 1948, Skinner returned to Harvard as a professor, where he remained until his retirement in 1974. During this time, he developed the theory of radical behaviorism, which argues that all behavior, including human behavior, can be explained in terms of conditioning.
Contributions to Psychology
Skinner's work has had a profound impact on the field of psychology. His theories and research have influenced many areas, including education, therapy, and animal training.
One of Skinner's most significant contributions is the concept of operant conditioning. This theory has been used to understand and modify behavior in various settings, from classrooms to therapy sessions.
Skinner also introduced the concept of reinforcement, both positive and negative. Positive reinforcement involves the addition of a rewarding stimulus following a behavior, while negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus.
Skinner's Skinner Box has been widely used in research to study animal behavior. It allows researchers to control the environment and precisely measure responses to stimuli.
Skinner's theory of radical behaviorism has also been influential. It argues that all behavior, including human behavior, can be explained in terms of conditioning, and that internal states, such as thoughts and feelings, are irrelevant to the science of behavior.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite his contributions, Skinner's theories have been subject to criticism. Some psychologists argue that his approach is too simplistic and fails to take into account the complexity of human behavior.
One of the main criticisms of Skinner's work is his dismissal of internal mental states. Critics argue that thoughts, feelings, and intentions play a crucial role in human behavior and cannot be ignored.
Skinner's methods have also been criticized. His use of animals in his research has been questioned, with critics arguing that animal behavior cannot be directly applied to humans.
Despite these criticisms, Skinner's work has had a lasting impact on the field of psychology and continues to be influential in various areas of research and practice.
Personal Life and Legacy
Skinner married Yvonne Blue in 1936. They had two daughters, Julie and Deborah. Skinner was known to be a dedicated family man and often incorporated his family life into his work.
Skinner died on August 18, 1990, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His legacy in the field of psychology remains significant. His theories and research have shaped the field and continue to be studied and applied in various contexts.