B.F. Skinner performed stimulus-response experiments with pigeons where he taught them behaviors through operant conditioning by rewarding them when they performed the desired action. Operant conditioning is a form of learning where behaviors are shaped through reinforcement of stimulus-response patterns. Skinner argued that both positive rewards and negative responses should be used to encourage desired behaviors and discourage undesired ones. His work formed the basis for behavior modification techniques and influenced how many teachers apply principles of reinforcement and punishment in educational settings.

1. B.F. Skinner
By:
Jeff McCarthy

2. B.F. Skinner
 Preformed a stimulus-response tests
with pigeons.
◦ Skinner would teach the pigeons how to
move a leg for a certain command, and then
reward them. He continued doing this until
the birds learned to dance, and perform
complex tasks like bowling.
◦ This is the same idea we use to teach our
dogs. When we ask them to “sit” we wait until
they do and then reward them with a treat so
they are encouraged to do it again.
 This reward system is known as Operant
Conditioning.

3. Operant Conditioning
 Definition
◦ Learning that is controlled and results in
shaping behavior through the
reinforcement of stimulus response
patterns.
 When something is done, and done correctly, a
reward is given.

4. Rewards
 There are many type of rewards w can
present students with.
◦ Grades
◦ Extra Credit
◦ Food
◦ Parties
◦ Less Homework
 When students are given rewards for
doing well, or behaving well, they will
continue to strive to do their best in order
to gain the rewards again.

5. Negative Responses
 While we give rewards for positive
actions, we must also give negative
responses for wrong actions according
to Skinner.
◦ When it comes to teaching we cannot go
too fair in this field. We can give bad
grades, or not give a positive
response, but we cannot go any further.
 Parents on the other hand can give negative
responses such as scolding or punishing
children for doing something bad.

6. Behavior Modification
 Skinner also came up
with a very simple, yet
very affective way to
get rid of bad habits.
◦ Remove the reinforces.
 While we use reinforces to
try and gain a positive
result, sometimes they can
bring about negative ones
such as, alcoholism, drug
dependencies, and OCD.

7. Teaching
 Most teachers, including me, will use
B.F. Skinners method of Operant
Conditioning, whether they know it or
not.
 As teachers we need to make sure
that we are using it correctly
though, or it could lead to bad habits
that will be difficult to erase.

8. Students
 As a student I have used both Operant
Conditioning, and Behavioral Reinforcement.
 When I see an A at the end of a semester
that is my reward. I strive next semester to
receive that A again, and if I do not, I am very
upset.
 I also used to have bad study habits, and
procrastinated quite often. I fixed these
problems by simply taking away my
reward, video games, and noticed I was
studying more and doing better in my
classes.

9. Works Cited
B.F. Skinner, www.nndb.com/people/297/000022231/, NNDB Tracking the
World, November 11, 2011
How to Overcome a Bad Habit, http://davincidilemma.com/2011/02/how-to-overcome-a-bad-
habit/, The DaVinci Dilemma, November 11, 2011
Operant Condtioning, http://psych201.blogspot.com/, Blogspot, Craig Swanson, November
11, 2011