Case Study Assignment Skinner and Behavioral Analysis PDF

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Download Case Study Assignment Skinner and Behavioral Analysis PDF

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Using Skinner's radical behaviorism theory, analyze Yolanda s behavior by answering the following questions.

1. What motivates our behavior, according to Skinner's theory? Is it internally or externally motivated?

Skinner believed that our behavior is externally motivated and that a reinforcement following a behavior is what is ultimately going to strengthen or diminish a behavior.

It is externally motivated because there’s the presence of something outside of our private thoughts and events reinforcing it. It’s something we can observe.

2. How could Yolanda s early success in school be explained by radical behaviorism? Yolanda’s teachers’ and parents’ reinforcement strengthened her response to excel academically. This reinforcement came in the form of positive comments about her, which made her feel good about herself. They gave her confidence. 3. How could radical behaviorism explain Yolanda s dropping out of college?

Yolanda’s dropping out of college could be explained by his radical behaviorism as the reinforcement of not being known by her teachers strengthened her response around faltering grades until she hit academic probation. She performed well in her classes but never received recognition for it. This lack of recognition was accompanied by a diminished amount of positive reinforcement. Without the reinforcement, Yolanda’s grades began to suffer. She then decided that she should ultimately drop out of school.

This could also be explained as: the reinforcement of less personal attention and recognition from her teachers weakened her response for showing outstanding academic aptitude and remaining in college. 4. How could Skinner's theory explain Yolanda s decision to go back to college?

Skinner’s theory explains Yolanda’s decision to go back to school because of the reinforcement of not enjoying her job, I.e., she was not making enough money and the rude, inconsiderate customers became hard to deal with every day. She also felt the embarrassment of dropping out of school and the feeling of having disappointed her parents, therefore strengthening her resolve to do and achieve more with her life. Moreover, Yolanda went back to college, “partly to demonstrate to the world that African Americans could achieve as much as others”.

5. How could Skinner's theory explain Yolanda s success in college the second time and in graduate school?

Skinner’s theory explains Yolanda’s success in college the second time around, and in graduate school, as we see her return to an environment where she is receiving personal attention and validation I.e., her ideas and questions are being heard. Moreover, she is receiving guidance and working closely with advisors, and no longer feels like just another number. This strengthens her resolve to get to know her professors, be an exemplary student, conduct research, apply to graduate school, and earn her Ph.D....