Opening Skinner's Box Analysis

In chapter four of Opening Skinner’s Box, Lauren Slater begins by discussing the rape- murder of Kitty Genovese, and the experiments done by Darley and Latane attempting to understand the failure of bystanders to intervene. The chapter also touches the effect on front page suicides upon the behavior of the public. Robert Cialdini, a social psychologist changes his behavior after noticing front page suicide stories. He limits himself from extended trips requiring a lot of air time, and he is cautious behind the wheel of a car. Cialdini believes that he is highly prone to an accident after a front-page suicide story. I agree with Cialdini about being cautious after the published of a front-page suicide story and limiting himself to travel either by air or in a car. I believe
If all the statistics and data agree on this it would be best to take care of ourselves. Cialdini himself writes, “I am reluctant to take extended trips requiring a lot of air travel. If I must fly during such a period I purchase substantially more flight insurance than I normally would” (Cialdini 107). Cialdini point is to be more cautious, and if he must fly he purchases more flight insurance. Cialdini knows how to take care of himself because he knows of the influence a well published suicide story has on people. He knows how the behavior of people with suicidal thoughts will change. It is best to take care of ourselves and to be more cautious after an event like this.

Consequently, the statistics that Slater shows us in Opening Skinner’s Box, chapter four is something to worry about as a society. The influence that a reported suicide story has been too high. Especially with teens and young adults. Television, novels, have a lot to do with suicide increase in teens and young adults. Television makes it seem like it is ok for them to do it, and it’s something that must change. For the well-being of