Beyond Freedom and Dignity

I'm guessing that most Americans who've taken an introductory psychology course have heard of B.F. Skinner. Known for his theories and research in behaviorism, he discovered what is known as operant conditioning (<--in Skinner's own words!), taking things a step further than Pavlov and his dogs.

I remember in graduate school, many years ago, studying behavioral psychology and its applications in education, and in particular special education. Behaviorism was the main school of thought then for special needs kids (maybe it still is?) and I remember learning to apply Skinner's theories. Like the ideas of many modern thinkers, Skinner's theories have met with disagreement and controversy, but they are still acknowledged and often applied in the fields of education and psychology.

Here's a short video which explains operant conditioning and features excerpts from interviews with B.F. Skinner.


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This is another in my series of "famous grave" blips.