B'F' Skinner Behaviorism

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B.F. Skinner Behaviorism Learning

• By,
• Jessica Glanden
• Amanda Nordell
• Clarissa Larken

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B.F. Skinner Background

• Skinner was born March 20, 1904 in Pennsylvania.
• He received a B.A. in English from Hamilton
  College in upstate New York.
• Skinner received both his Masters and Doctorate
  degrees in Psychology from Harvard University by
  1931.
• Skinner is a behaviorist and is known for his
  operant conditioning concepts.

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Operant Conditioning

• A process of behavior modification in which the
  likelihood of a specific behavior is increased or
  decreased through positive or negative
  reinforcement each time the behavior is
  exhibited.

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Operant Conditioning Cont.

• This results in the subject associating the
  pleasure of displeasure of the reinforcement with
  the behavior.
• The Operant Conditioning Theory is based on the
  concepts of Ivan Pavlovs Classical Conditioning.

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Reinforcement Punishment

• Reinforcement A consequence that increases the
  probability that a behavior will occur
• Positive Reinforcement The frequency of a
  response increases because it is followed by a
  stimulus.
• Negative Reinforcement The frequency of a
  response increases because the response is either
  removes a stimulus or involves avoiding the
  stimulus.
• Punishment A consequence that decreases the
  probability that a behavior will occur.

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Skinner Box

• A device in a box would deliver food pellets into
  a tray at random. After a rate became accustomed
  to the box, Skinner installed a lever and
  observed the rats behavior. As the hungry rat
  explored the box, it occasionally pressed the
  ever and a food pellet would be dispenses.
• As a result, the rat learned to press the lever
  in order to obtain food.
• The lever was an example of positive
  reinforcement.

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Example of Operant Conditioning

• http//www.psy.pdx.edu/PsiCafe/Overheads/OperantCo
  nd.htm

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• Repetition is key!

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Programmed Learning

• Programmed learning is based on techniques for
  training and instruction.
• Skinners concept of programmed learning led to
  the behavior modification principles used in many
  classrooms today.

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Examples of Behavior Modification in the Classroom

• Praising students for correct answers or high
  test grades. (positive reinforcement)
• Card System (positive reinforcement, negative
  reinforcement, punishment).

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Skinner Technology

• Immediate Feedback
• Reinforcement
• Student Engagement

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B.F. Skinner (1904-1990)