Which of the following statements about B. F. Skinner is TRUE?
A) Skinner believed that "the scientific analysis of behavior" would lead to a totalitarian society based on punishment.
B) Skinner advocated greater use of punishment to control behavior.
C) Skinner strongly advocated the study of mental processes to understand behavior.
D) Skinner believed that human behavior is determined by environmental consequences, not by individual choice or free will.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Skinner believed that human behavior is determined by environmental consequences, not by individual choice or free will. This is reflected in his theory of operant conditioning, which posits that behavior is shaped by the consequences (reinforcement or punishment) that follow it. Skinner did not advocate for greater use of punishment, but rather believed that positive reinforcement was a more effective means of behavior change. Additionally, Skinner did not believe in studying mental processes, but rather focused on observable behavior. Finally, Skinner did express concern about the potential misuse of his ideas in creating a totalitarian society, but this does not mean that he believed that his scientific analysis of behavior would inevitably lead to such a society.

Which of the Following Statements About B