Skinner and MY relevant events

Running Head : REINFORCEMENT THEORY

Reinforcement Theory by B .F . Skinner (Name (University (Professor (Course /Subject (Date

Reinforcement Theory by B .F . Skinner

Burrhus Frederic Skinner developed the reinforcement theory which he considered to be a very powerful instrument to shape a person 's behavior . In the case stated above Sally throughout her life have faced several circumstances that later on build up into how she viewed herself today . These different incidents somehow affected her actions and the way that people sees her . In the process , these experiences somehow leads to her

negative outlook about life since there are several instances that makes her life seems unfortunate for her

As the reinforcement theory discussed , a certain action or circumstance is either a positive or a negative reinforcement . Those that fall under positive reinforcement were the ones which functions as something that encourages the behavior . Negative reinforcement on the other hand deters or discourages an action (Hergenhahn Olson 2007

As with the Sally 's condition , she thinks most her life experiences pessimistically . It is perhaps affected by various sociological factors but is basically rooted upon the manner by which other people have been treated and are being treated in the past . As mentioned above , Sally did not enter college and is currently in a condition that she regrets or she simply did not appreciate

Skinner 's concept of reinforcement is an assumption that the society is one of the greatest and the most influential factor that affects a human personality . This is highly noted in his book Walden Two , wherein a certain town is continuously being conditioned and reinforced to act in a manner towards a utopian society . Under Skinner 's theory , Sally falls prey of how society viewed lack of higher education and failed marriages in a negative manner (Hergenhahn Olson , 2007

Education serves as a qualifying factor for most professional jobs Higher education is tantamount to a greater probability of being employed to high-paying jobs . Failed marriages , although a common scenario in the current society is still viewed by some people as a reflection of how a person handles a relationship . Being a single mother somehow created a depressing impact to Sally downgrading her view of herself and of life in general

theless , after knowing how highly she was appreciated at work , Sally started to lighten up her mood and decided to create a future plan for further improvement . The knowledge of being liked and appreciated functions as a positive reinforcement in Sally 's case . This can also be sited on her positive and reinforced reactions every time she s other

Although somewhat farfetched , Sally 's behavior could also be attributed to the abuses that she received from her former husband . The event might be one of the things which results to her negativity and doubt about her own character . Each time her husband acts abusive , it creates an image on her mind about her imperfections

Her early marriage could also be a contributing factor since she married when she...