Concept introduction
Skinner proposed that individual behavior, and society as a whole, could be designed and controled using the principles of operant conditioning (i.e., reinforcements and punishments).
Explanation of Solution
There are both pros and cons to consider when imagining a Skinner society. To Skinner, the ability to control human behavior by controlling the environment would lead to a future filled with happy citizens and socially desirable outcomes. Such a society could be safer, cleaner, and more productive. Individuals in Skinner’s society could be more educated, charitable, kind, and motivated to achieve the same goals. The harmful notions of racism and sexism could be eliminated by punishing these ideas and reinforcing the ideals of human equality. Additionally, stigmatization of certain individuals, for example substance users, could be reduced or even eliminated if society viewed the environment as the problem, rather than assigning personal blame to these individuals. At the same time, however, it is also important to consider the potential costs of such a society. Individualism may become limited, if everyone is conditioned to believe in and work toward the same ideals. Additionally, who would decide on what gets reinforced or punished? Creating “universal” ideals could lead to totalitarian control, with society being controlled by a few people in power. Additionally, in a world defined by operant conditioning, people may develop a sort of apathy, or learned helplessness, if they believe that they have no power over their lives and that it is their environment that defines them. This lack of personal responsibility may be damaging to individuals’ sense of identity and their motivation. In this thought experiment, there are both positive and negative possibilities to consider at both the level of society and the individual.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 5 Solutions
EBK DISCOVERING PSYCHOLOGY
- Please help me solve the given question, explain it and make sure its all correct!arrow_forwardPlease help me solve this question, explain it and make sure its 100% correct, thanks !!arrow_forwardPlease help me solve this question, explain it and make sure everything its all correct, thanks !arrow_forward
- Please help me solve the following question, explain and make sure everything it correct, thank youarrow_forwardPlease help me answer the following question, explain and make sure everything is correct, thank you !arrow_forwardPlease help me solve the following question, explain it and make sure everything its correct, thanks!arrow_forward
- Help me solve this qiven question, explain i and make sure its 1000% correct, pls and thank youarrow_forwardPlease help me solve the following question, explain and make sure its all correct, thanksarrow_forwardHi, I need help with the following question, pls explain and make sure everything its correct.arrow_forward
- Please help me solve this question, explain and make sure its all correct 100%, thank youarrow_forwardPrimary prevention consists of the early detection of dysfunction and immediate intervention. True or Falsearrow_forward1. The graph below shows the data collected from a motion detector as a toy car moved along the floor. Which statement best describes the motion of the car during segment C? A. The car has increasing speed. B. The car is moving with a constant velocity. C. The car is not in motion. D. The car has decreasing speed.arrow_forward
- Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)PsychologyISBN:9780134477961Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland WhitePublisher:PEARSONCognitive PsychologyPsychologyISBN:9781337408271Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.Publisher:Cengage Learning,Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...PsychologyISBN:9781337565691Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. MartiniPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)PsychologyISBN:9780393265156Author:Sarah Grison, Michael GazzanigaPublisher:W. W. Norton & CompanyCognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...PsychologyISBN:9781285763880Author:E. Bruce GoldsteinPublisher:Cengage LearningTheories of Personality (MindTap Course List)PsychologyISBN:9781305652958Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen SchultzPublisher:Cengage Learning