Hello Reader,
It’s been a while since we discussed a bit of core psychology. This issue is about an interesting experiment by popular scientist, B.F. Skinner.
What is it?
In psychology, the Skinner Box, also known as an operant conditioning chamber, is a device used to study animal behavior.
It was invented by B.F. Skinner, a famous psychologist. The box typically contains a lever or button that an animal, such as a rat or pigeon, can press to receive a reward, like food or water.
The Experiment:
In a typical experiment, Skinner placed a rat inside the box. When the rat pressed the lever, it received a food pellet.
Initially, the rat might press the lever by accident, but over time, it learns that pressing the lever results in a reward.
Skinner used this setup to study how different schedules of reinforcement (rewards) affected the rat's behavior.
For example, he might only give a reward every few presses/after a some time.
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What do I need to know:
Skinner's work demonstrate the power of reinforcement in learning & behavior modification, impacting behavioral psychology of how it is acquired or formed.
Operant Conditioning: It would illustrate the concept of operant conditioning, where behaviors are influenced by their consequences (rewards or punishments). Positive reinforcement (like giving food) strengthens the behavior that leads to the reward.
Learning through Reinforcement: Animals (and humans) can learn to associate actions with outcomes. Repeatedly rewarding a behavior increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.
Behavior Modification: The principles derived from Skinner’s experiments are used in various fields, such as education, parenting, and therapy, to shape behavior through reinforcement strategies.
Source:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-skinner-box-2795875
didnt Skinner also put his own baby into a Skinner Box?? or am i misremembering from my high school psych class?
i *really* hope im not remembering correctly 😱