1. B.F. Skinner Unit 6

2.  (1904-1990)  Modern behaviorism’s most influential and controversial figure.

3.  Believed humans are controlled by their environment.  External influences (not internal thoughts and feelings) shape behavior.  Urged people to use operant principles to influence and evoke more desirable behavior in others at school, work, and home.

4.  Operant Chamber (Skinner Box)  In the box, a rat would receive a reward of food when it pressed a bar.  Outside the box, a device recorded the rat’s responses.

5.  Shaping  A procedure in which reinforcers, such as food, guide an animals actions toward a desired behavior.  Successive approximations  Skinner rewarded responses that were ever- closer to the final desired behavior.  Skinner ignored all other responses.

6.  Pigeons Video Clip 1 Pigeons Video Clip 1  Pigeons Video Clip 2 Pigeons Video Clip 2  Pigeons Video Clip 3 Pigeons Video Clip 3

7.  Skinner’s work with animals spurred research and work in training all kinds of animals to serve useful purposes.  In WWII, Skinner trained pigeons to guide missiles to their targets.  At the time, the military didn’t buy into Skinner’s pigeons.  However, while humans were 38% accurate at identifying targets, pigeons were 93% accurate – and they didn’t get bored after hours of duty. Skinner Video Clip

9.  Also called an air-crib.  An apparatus that would reduce the labor of the mother.  In developing, Skinner and his wife went over the schedule of the mother and asked:  Is this practice important for the physical and psychological health of the baby?

10.  Skinner used the apparatus on his own daughter.  Deborah spent most of the first two years of her life in the baby- tender.

11.  Regulated Warmth  Usual practice of layers of blankets and clothes leave the baby either too hot or too cold.  Skinner decided to regulate the temperature of the crib and leave the baby in only a diaper.  Crying and fussing could be stopped by lowering the temperature.  More Exercise  Layers of clothes limit mobility.  Baby exercised constantly.

12.  Reduced Laundry  Fewer clothes and blankets.  Mattress was a stretched 10 yard long canvas that could be rolled into place.  Improved Health  Compartment was thoroughly filtered.  Required a bath once a week.  Made it easy to avoid infections, allergies, and dust.

13.  Convenient Scheduling  Mother can plan her day in advance.  Baby’s schedule can be adjusted.  No Noise Disturbances  Noise would not disturb the baby.  Noise from the baby would not disturb others.  Overall care time was 1 ½ hours a day.  Included feeding, changing, washing diapers, and preparing formula.

14. 1. Baby would become hypersensitive and unprepared for the outside world. Baby actually developed high tolerance. 2. People said they would not want to live in a box Baby was happy and never resisted. 3. Baby would be socially starved or neglected Glass allowed baby to interact with others. Baby was played with when fed, changed, and during daily play time. Since the mother is not likely to feel overworked or resentful, the baby will probably get more love.