Table 11.1 Myths about Skinner
(DeBell & Harless, 1992) [get permission?]
Please respond to all of the following questions by
circling whether you believe each question is TRUE or FALSE.
1. According
to Skinner, negative reinforcement is another term for punishment.
T F
2. Skinner
believes that any behavior can be conditioned.
T F
3. Skinner
suggests that theories which attempt to explain psychological phenomena through
hypothetical constructs are useful to psychology.
T F
4. Skinner
believes genetics play an important role in shaping behavior.
T F
5. Skinner
uses rigorous statistical analyses in examining data from his studies.
T F
6. Skinner
recognizes the uniqueness of the individual.
T F
7. Skinner
is well known for his work on pigeons.
T F
8. Skinner
showed that principles of learning apply better to animals than humans.
T F
9. Skinner
supports the use of punishment in controlling human behavior.
T F
10. Skinner
demonstrated that shaping has minimal impact in teaching new behaviors.
T F
11. Skinner
recognizes the existence of human consciousness.
T F
12. In
general, Skinner believes positive reinforcement is more effective than
punishment.
T F
13. SkinnerŐs
focus is on behavior which is observable and measurable.
T F
14. SkinnerŐs
learning theory discusses secondary reinforcers; once example of these is money.
T F