B. F. Skinner studied how pigeons began bobbing their heads and twirling around in the "Skinner box" after being operantly conditioned with a food reward. His research is most consistent with the idea that superstitions are:
A) irrational and based on paranormal beliefs.
B) based on thinking errors.
C) innate.
D) learned behaviors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Skinner's research demonstrated that even non-human animals can develop learned behaviors through operant conditioning, which could easily apply to humans developing superstitious behaviors through reinforcement (e.g. a baseball player who wears the same socks during a winning streak). Thus, superstitions are learned behaviors.

B F Skinner Studied How Pigeons Began Bobbing Their Heads and and Twirling