B.F. Skinners Contribution to Psychology - 1488 Words

B.F. Skinner’s Contribution to Modern Psychology Ian K. Connelly Oklahoma State University B.F. Skinner’s Contribution to Modern Psychology As I began to study the history and beginning of psychology there was one man who stood out to me clearly as a powerful force of influence and contributor to the direction psychology has taken in its still very young life. What does it mean to be a major influential contributor to the science of psychology? This man shows us with his groundbreaking theories, inventions and experiments as well as his over 200 books and articles on the field of psychology. He is Burrhus Frederic Skinner and he is one of the reasons psychology is the profound and crucial science that it is today. (New World†¦show more content†¦This experiment furthered his approach towards behaviorism and also added to what Watson had proposed. (Shacter, Gilbert amp; Wegner, 2011) Also slightly contrary to what Watson and Pavlov believed, he proposed that the behavior of an organism did not depend upon the preceding stimulus but on the reward that occurre d after the behavior took place. (Cherry, 2013) This led Skinner to state in his book, â€Å"The Behavior of Organisms†, what he called the principle of reinforcement. Reinforcement basically stated that when an organism does something that causes it to benefit in some way, it is likely to repeat the action in order to receive the benefit again. This allows organisms to adapt to their environments and the conditions they live in, in order to survive. (Shacter, Gilbert amp; Wegner, 2011) Skinner went on to use his ability to invent and his interest in behaviorism to try and benefit society in many different ways. He invented such things as the â€Å"Air crib† which was an enclosed chamber to put a baby inside that would allow you to closely monitor and modify the temperature and humidity of the environment. Unfortunately this didn’t quite catch on after people started to compare it to his earlier invention, the operant conditioning chamber, and wonder whether or not it was too cruel for a child. Another quite interesting invention that he proposed was a pigeon guided missile. During world war two, before the U.S. Navy had a practical way to guide a missile,Show MoreRelatedSkinner And His Contribution On Behaviorism And Operant Conditioning1500 Words   |  6 Pagesand has been studied by many psychologists for many years now. B.F. Skinner was known as one of the most controversial intellectual figures of the late twentieth century who introduced behavior analysis and the idea of reinforcement (Myers, 2010). Skinner developed much of his work based from the law of effect by Edward Thorndike, who was also known as a philosopher. This research paper will focus on B.F. Skinner and his contribution on behaviorism and operant conditioning. This paper will provideRead MoreThe Role of Research and Statistics in the Field of Psychology1359 Words   |  6 PagesJohn B. Watson work on classical behaviorism that paved the way for B. F. Skinners radical or operant behaviorism which has had a large impact on educational systems. Watson was one of the influential psychologists of the twentieth century. His material is still used in most psychology and educational psychology texts. Watson helped with defining the study of behavior anticipated Skinners emphasis on operant conditioning and the importance of learning and environmental influencesRead MoreBF Skinners Operant Conditioning Theory543 Words   |  2 Pagesï » ¿B.F. Skinner (Order #A2088785) Burrhus Frederic Skinner, called B.F., is considered to be the father of the field of psychology known as behaviorism. Through his research in behavior, Skinner developed the theory of operant conditioning, or the idea that a new behavior can shaped. This was very different from classical conditioning where an existing behavior is reinforced through associating it with a stimuli. Skinners operant conditioning sought to develop an entirely new behavior throughRead MoreOperant Conditioning : History And Application Essay775 Words   |  4 Pagesconditioning is not only being used in experiments conducted by psychologists, but also by many businesses. E.L. Thorndyke’s and B.F. Skinner’s experiments shed light on operant conditioning and their research findings are still applicable. One proponent of operant conditioning was E.L. Thorndike.(Scott, 2009). Thorndike made major contributions to the psychology field, by examining how animals learn. His finding can be found in his dissertation, An Experimental Study of the Associative ProcessRead MorePsychology as a Pradigm Essay1679 Words   |  7 PagesThomas Kuhn asserts that sciences more mature than psychology have reached what he describes as a paradigm (Kuhn, 1963). A paradigm is a model, universally accepted by practitioners of a science during the period of its development (Watson, 1966). A paradigm must attract adherents away from approaches that oppose its own, and is sufficiently open-ended so that the problems it leaves can be resolved (Locurto, 2013; Kuhn, 1963). Therefore, a paradigm directs research and defines problems worth solvingRead MoreClassical And Operant Conditioning And The Field Of Psychology997 Words   |  4 Pagesclassical and operant conditioning contributed to the field of psychol ogy? In this essay I will outline the main principles of both operant and classical conditioning methods and discuss what both theories have contributed to the field of psychology and what they have taught us about the way in which some human behaviour occurs. Classical conditioning, also known as Pavlovian conditioning (Davis, S. F., Buskist, W. (2008). 21st century psychology: a reference handbook Page 312 (Vol. 1). Sage.) statesRead MoreSkinner, Behaviorism, And Operant Conditioning1671 Words   |  7 Pages Introduction Skinner, who was a behavioral psychologist, propelled his work towards the field of behaviorism concerning operant conditioning. Though, his work was more instrumental in structuring and confirming major sectors in the psychology field. Skinner, who was also an enthusiastic student of Thorndike, created a view of the present view in regards to expanding the comprehension of conditioning. His model was typically instrumental confirming numerous understandings of the currentRead MoreCarl Rogers Vs. F. Skinner : Which Perspective Is The Most Important?1419 Words   |  6 Pages Carl Rogers vs B. F. Skinner – Which Perspective is the Most Important? A long-debated argument in the field of Psychology has been which theory or explanation of human behavior is the most important and the most viable. Is B. F. Skinner’s theory that behavior is the result of man’s response to external stimuli or is Carl Rogers’ theory that man’s behavior is the result of his determination to achieve self-actualization the best explanation? After much research and thought, I will argue in favorRead MoreWatson, Skinner and Tolman Essay1627 Words   |  7 PagesDuring the 20th century, the science of psychology developed a role that identified it as an essential of life. John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner, and Edward Tolman are a vital part of that journey transcending from the 19th century to what is now known as â€Å"modern day psychology† in 2012. In this succinct writing the contributions of each man will be revealed and deliberation to define their difference shall be incorporated herein. Although, each psychologi st has commonalities in their perspectivesRead MoreSummary of B.F. Skinner and Piaget1045 Words   |  5 PagesB.F. Skinner’s Concept of Verbal Behavior One of the most influential members of the behaviorist movement, as well as among psychologists who study human development was B.F. Skinner (Diessner, 2008, p. 134). Skinner was notable for his description of the acquisition of new behavior through the use of reinenforcement and punishment called operant conditioning (Diessner, 2008). Skinner also contributed his behaviorist explanation of language development through his concept of verbal behavior (Diessner

Essay on Jonathan Kozol The Human Cost Of An Illiterate...

Knowledge is an effective factor in which human society relies on. Throughout history, those who were knowledgeable were well-respected, honored and revered. Author Jonathan Kozol writes his essay, â€Å"The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society,† to project the importance of knowledge and to explain that without it, one can suffer disastrous repercussions. He highlights real-life examples of how people suffer as a result of chronic illiteracy, and his entire essay is an advocacy for knowledge and literacy. Other authors such as Frederick Douglass and Richard Wright would use their personal experiences in completely different settings to highlight the power of knowledge. Douglass, a man born into slavery, and Wright, a man living through†¦show more content†¦Knowledge has the ability to free Douglass from his social injustice. This realization foreshadows Douglass’ career in the future; as he is no longer enslaved. As history continues and times have changed, the power of knowledge still remains the same. Jonathan Kozol is a man that expresses the same belief as Douglass; that knowledge is rewarding. Although the times have changed; Kozol acknowledges the debilitating effect that comes when one is not knowledgeable. Kozol makes this evident in his novel as he states that â€Å"Not knowing the right word for the right thing at the right time is a form of subjugation† (165). According to Kozol, knowledge determines the way society views an individual. An illiterate person will struggle in a coerced society. Therefore, the author informs the audience the blessing it is to have knowledge because they will be set free from being socially enslaved. As a result, the significance of knowledge and its blessings grants freedom against social injustice. Douglass and Wright both experience similar reactions to their newly gained knowledge. After finding access to a library, Wright begins to read and learn more about different perspectives and th e way others think. He eventually realizes, through his readings, that he is hurt by what he learns as is evident in quotation â€Å"But to feel that there were feelings denied me, that the very breath of life itself was beyond my reach, that more than anything hurt, wounded me,†Show MoreRelatedThe Human Cost Of An Illiterate Society By Jonathan Kozol946 Words   |  4 Pages â€Å"The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society† by Jonathan Kozol, implies something different. Kozol emphasizes the hardship of an illiterate, and briefly explains the importance of helping an illiterate without providing much of a solution, while Kozol’s essay was ineffective overall because of the lack of factual evidence and flawed conclusions, his strategic use of tone, repetition and rhetorical questioning provided some strength to his argument. By establishing a sympathetic tone, Kozol effectivelyRead MoreThe Human Cost Of An Illiterate Society By Jonathan Kozol877 Words   |  4 Pagesdo what you just did. In Jonathan Kozol’s essay titled, â€Å"The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society,† he exposes the complications of being illiterate as well as how it affects a person on a social, personal, and financial level. He brings to light the troubles illiterates go through right from the beginning, and takes repeated stabs at the way they function, and how it brings extreme troubles. Kozol effectively educates and exploits the overlooked troubles of being illiterate, by providing examples ofRead MoreThe Human Cost Of An Illiterate Society By Jonathan Kozol1059 Words   |  5 Pages As soon as humans walked the earth, since the beginnings of time, learning was the most vital in order to survive. This was, and still is today, the most important part of adaptation, problem-solving, and creation of life itself. Wit hout it, our society would never move forward and humanity would never advance. Undeniably, education is the start of everything in life itself meaning that it continuously surrounds every aspect of life. In both Frederick Douglass’s essay, â€Å"Learning to Read† andRead MoreJonathan Kozol The Human Cost Of An Illiterate Society Analysis1009 Words   |  5 Pagesilliteracy. In this society, it is unfortunate that there are individuals who are illiterate, which ultimately affects their democratic lives. Many other citizens do not face this issue, and may not recognize the disadvantages that illiterates face. In Jonathan Kozol’s text, â€Å"The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society,† he discusses the various issues concerned with illiteracy, one of them being how it affects democracy. Democracy is a type of government where power, that involves human rights and valuesRead MoreThe Human Cost Of An Illiterate Society989 Words   |  4 PagesAnalysis of â €Å"The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society† In the essay, â€Å"The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society† written by Jonathan Kozol and originally published in the book, â€Å"Illiterate America†, is a bundle of examples of how people who are illiterate live every day. It showcases the hardships they go through, and how much of a problem it is. He had quotes from various interviews with people who are illiterate, and how many become distrustful of people trying to explain what the written documentRead MoreThe Human Cost Of An Illiterate Society1048 Words   |  5 PagesAre illiterates just people who exist? Do they just walk around aimlessly, never knowing what to do? â€Å"Illiterates live, in more than literal ways, an uninsured existence,† says Jonathan Kozol. In Kozol’s article, â€Å"The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society,† he intensely describes how illiteracy can impact both the illiterate and those surrounding him. There is a tragic human cost for an illiterate society. If people a re unable to read, then what can they do? In this case, the least taken-for-grantedRead MoreProblems Faced by Illiterates Essay478 Words   |  2 Pagesfrom what millions of illiterates feel on a daily basis. The phrase illiteracy applies to more than a simple inability to read or write. There is also functional illiteracy. Functional illiterates can read words but they cannot comprehend their meanings, synthesize information or make decision based on what they read. Illiteracy could also be defined as restriction or confinement due to the simple fact that, thats the type of life many non-readers lead. Illiterates choices are restrictedRead More Fishing for Words Essay1502 Words   |  7 Pagesin America; basically someone illiterate cannot live on their own until they have been taught the basics, reading and writing. According to Kozol’s essay The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society the government, administration, and people of high power live by the beginning of the quote (Kozol, The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society). They help someone illiterate make a living until the person is out of their control. Yet the government, administrations, and society maintain control through illiteracyRead MoreGeneral Education Essay1869 Words   |  8 PagesWith living costs as high as they are in this day and age, it is completely unreasonable to expect the average individual to squander already limited resources. Receiving a bachelors degree today requires an assortment of classes that often are not directly related to ones career objectives. For some, they find this to be an enjoyable adventure, broadening their knowledge and learning about new aspects of life, but for others this is just burdensome. However it is looked upon, the college curriculumRead More General Education Essay1795 Words   |  8 Pages With living costs as high as they are in this day and age, it is completely unreasonable to expect the average individual to squander already limited resources. Receiving a bachelor’s degree today requires an assortment of classes that often are not directly related to one’s career objectives. For some, they find this to be an enjoyable advent ure, broadening their knowledge and learning about new aspects of life, but for others this is just burdensome. However it is looked upon, the college curriculum

Language and Cultural Barriers Free Essays

With so many people immigrating to the United States and all the companies that are doing business internationally, we must find a way to make it work. There are many ideas, learning groups and classes that are specifically designed to help people of all languages and cultures learn to work together and understand one another. The internet has shown that progress is inevitable; it is time for a change. We will write a custom essay sample on Language and Cultural Barriers or any similar topic only for you Order Now Foreign-born immigrants are rapidly becoming a central part of the American labor force. This entry of immigrants is creating jobs in the fields of manufacturing, service and construction. With so many immigrants joining our workforce, it is the best idea for employers to embrace this idea and find ways to link these languages and culture barriers. Charleston, WV Immigrant Statistics (quickfacts. consensus. gov, 2010) †¢ Charleston, WV Population as of 2006: 50,846. †¢ Foreign Born Persons as of 2000:3. 2% †¢ Language other than English spoken:5. 3% In 2006, the foreign-born population of West Virginia was 2. 5%. The majority of immigrants in West Virginia are from the following (usimmigrationsupport. com, 2010). †¢ 34. 9% Mexico 10. 1% Canada †¢ 6. 7% Germany †¢ 23. 6% UK, Korea, Philippines, China, Japan, India and Soviet Union Cultural and language barriers can create communication problems which can cause hazardous conditions, especially in the blue collar fields. People’s stereotypes can get in the way of hiring a good worker, we need to look beyond the stereotypes and see what kind of person they really are. Some companies req uire certain educational backgrounds, and don’t take into consideration the applicants experience and education when coming from another country. All countries can stand to learn a little bit about tolerance when it comes to foreigners. In foreign countries, certain acts are considered social suicide, such as receiving a business card from someone in Japan and stuffing it in your pocket. The Japanese consider their business cards a symbol of themselves. Some other common cultural differences are: †¢ Roles and Status—in some countries women are considered inferior and are expected to walk behind the males. Some countries females are not expected or allowed to work. What is considered normal in American culture regarding etiquette for a working woman is far different in other countries. In Latin American countries, colorful business attire is welcomed, however, in Asia and the Middle East, the norm is neutral-colored clothing and nothing else. When conducting a meeting in Islamic Middle East, a female must have a male host that accompanies them to their meetings, where they may well be the only female in attendance. †¢ Personal Space—Americans usually stand about 5 feet away from each other, however, Japanese cultural likes more space and the Latin cultural likes to stand closer. In China it is acceptable to push your way through a crowd and you may be invited to spa where nudity is considered appropriate. †¢ Body Language—In America, eye contact is considered a sign of respect. People in the Japanese culture considers it is a sign of disrespect to look directly at a superior. Where Americans are very animated with their facial expressions, Asians are sometimes considered emotionless. Closed eyes mean a person is bored or sleepy in America, but in Japan and Thailand it shows that you are listening and concentrating. Such a simple gesture as a friendly kiss is prohibited in parts of Asia where it is considered a sexual act. In the Middle East and parts of Indonesia, the left hand is considered unclean. †¢ Personal Appearance—In various parts of the world, Americans are considered careless with dress, manners and body movements; generous with neighbors, superficial, shallow and short-lasting with friendships, ethnocentric—less interested in others, independent, and individually feeling. In some countries, our dress is considered provocative and rude. In countries such as China, India and Russia, women must keep their knees and elbows covered and shirts must be buttoned completely up to the neck. Pants are frowned upon in Japan and in the Middle East, cleavage is a definite no-no! However, in Latin America, women are appreciated for wearing bright, stylish clothing. Employers can help by being practical and learning to tear down the barriers, employers can reduce worker’s compensation injuries, improve the ability to recruit, hire and retain workers and increase productivity (charlotteworks. org, 2010). There are a lot of people in the United States who feel that people who live in our country should learn to speak our language; while this might not be the most practical statement, it makes sense when talking about positions such as customer service or anything that requires directions. It is so easy to misunderstand someone and then something goes terribly wrong. However, who’s to say it shouldn’t be the same way when we go to another country to work? Most foreign countries have a large number of citizens that do speak the English language, especially in terms of the business world. However, the more languages you can speak fluently will help you if you plan a future in International Business. International businesses should require employees to take language classes in at least one language where they conduct business; it’s only fair to the people in that country. So many things can be misconstrued if you don’t know the language and try to conduct business without an interpreter, especially when it comes to jobs that require strict policies to keep employees safe. If an employee doesn’t understand instructions, or misinterprets them, there is a significant change of injury which can hurt the company as well. Even when foreign workers in America can speak English, there are so many slang terms that they may not really understand what is being said. When going to a foreign country to work, the employee must conduct research and learn as much as they can about the country and their customs and realize that they cannot generalize the people of a certain area. There are many different cultures inside a country and they should not all be lumped together under a stereotype. We must learn that every person is an individual and has different values and ways of life. The employer can provide a mentor to the new employee so they can get better adjusted with the culture and office policies. Culturosity. com (2010) provides the following 10 Strategies for Overcoming Language Barriers: †¢ Speak slowly and clearly. †¢ Ask for clarification. †¢ Frequently check for understanding. †¢ Avoid idioms. †¢ Be careful of jargon. †¢ Define the basics of business. †¢ Be specific. †¢ Choose your medium of communication effectively. †¢ Provide information via multiple channels. †¢ Be patient. In summary, our world is changing and the idea of International Business is coming upon us quickly. We must learn patience no matter if we are the foreigner in a different country, or if we are welcoming new employees into our company. They key to overcoming language barriers is education. We must learn about the countries we do business with and they must learn about our country. There are so many different cultures and languages that it will be helpful to learn different languages and brush up on other countries way of life. References 1. 10 Strategies for Overcoming Language Barriers. (n. d. ) Retrieved from www. culturosity. com 2. Breaking Down Language Barriers. (November 19, 2005) Retrieved from www. forbes. com 3. Communication Breakdown; Overcoming Cultural and Language Barriers in the Global Gear Market. (May 2008); Retrieved from www. geartechnology. com 4. Cultural and Language Barriers in the Workplace. (February 2002). Retrieved from the www. charlotteworks. org 5. State and County Quick Facts. (October 26, 2010). Retrieved from www. quickfacts. census. gov 6. Immigration to West Virginia. (n. d. ) Retrieved from www. usimmigrationsupport. org. How to cite Language and Cultural Barriers, Essays