What aspect of behavior did Skinner aim to demonstrate with his experiment?

What aspect of behavior did Skinner aim to demonstrate with his experiment?

• A. Reflexes
• B. Conditioned responses
• C. Operant conditioning
• D. Social learning

Answer: (C)

Skinner aimed to demonstrate operant conditioning through his experiments. Operant conditioning is a learning process in which the consequences of an action influence the likelihood of that action being repeated in the future. Skinner conducted numerous experiments, particularly using devices such as the Skinner box, where he observed how behavior could be shaped by reinforcement or punishment. In his studies, he highlighted how rewards (positive reinforcement) could increase the frequency of a behavior, whereas negative reinforcement or punishment could decrease it. This principle directly supports the idea of operant conditioning, making it the core focus of Skinner's research and findings. The constructs of reflexes and conditioned responses primarily pertain to classical conditioning, which is not the focus of Skinner's work. Additionally, social learning encompasses different mechanisms of learning involving observation and imitation, which is outside the scope of Skinner's emphasis on direct reinforcement and consequences of behavior. Thus, operant conditioning is the correct answer as it encapsulates the fundamental aspect Skinner sought to explore in his behaviorist framework.

Skinner aimed to demonstrate operant conditioning through his experiments. Operant conditioning is a learning process in which the consequences of an action influence the likelihood of that action being repeated in the future. Skinner conducted numerous experiments, particularly using devices such as the Skinner box, where he observed how behavior could be shaped by reinforcement or punishment.

In his studies, he highlighted how rewards (positive reinforcement) could increase the frequency of a behavior, whereas negative reinforcement or punishment could decrease it. This principle directly supports the idea of operant conditioning, making it the core focus of Skinner's research and findings. The constructs of reflexes and conditioned responses primarily pertain to classical conditioning, which is not the focus of Skinner's work. Additionally, social learning encompasses different mechanisms of learning involving observation and imitation, which is outside the scope of Skinner's emphasis on direct reinforcement and consequences of behavior. Thus, operant conditioning is the correct answer as it encapsulates the fundamental aspect Skinner sought to explore in his behaviorist framework.