Operant Conditioning in the Criminal Ju
Operant Conditioning in the Criminal Justice System
Z. M. Keys
Psychology of Criminal Behavior
CCJS 461
17 October 2014
"The only way to tell whether a given event is reinforcing to a given organism under given conditions is to make a direct test. We observe the frequency of a selected response, then make an event contingent upon it and observe any change in frequency. If there is a change, we classify the event as reinforcing to the organism under the existing conditions." (Skinner, 1953) What does that even mean? Scientists use so many worlds to say the simplest things. Basically, behavioral psychology is known as behaviorism and based on a theory of learning that is significantly contingent on the premise that behavior is acquired through conditioning. So, what Skinner was trying to say, in layman’s terms is behaviorism is the belief that anyone can change or be taught to be different. The thought is with the right nurturing and nature, individuals who would normally grow up to be doctors and lawyers could be taught that being a vagabond and bum is their life calling. Or vice versa a bum grows up to be the president of the United States, or a multimillionaire, living the plush life. This is a stretch example, yet better explained by John Watson "Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own specified world to bring them up in and I'll guarantee to take any one at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select -- doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and, yes, even beggar-man and thief, regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his ancestors." (Watson, 1932). Behaviorism is a process studied by behaviorists. Behaviorists believe that changed behaviors are shaped by environmental stimuli responses. The earliest start of behaviorism stems from Ivan Pavlov, a Russian Physiologist who developed his concept of conditioned reflex through a famous study with dogs.
Z. M. Keys
Psychology of Criminal Behavior
CCJS 461
17 October 2014
"The only way to tell whether a given event is reinforcing to a given organism under given conditions is to make a direct test. We observe the frequency of a selected response, then make an event contingent upon it and observe any change in frequency. If there is a change, we classify the event as reinforcing to the organism under the existing conditions." (Skinner, 1953) What does that even mean? Scientists use so many worlds to say the simplest things. Basically, behavioral psychology is known as behaviorism and based on a theory of learning that is significantly contingent on the premise that behavior is acquired through conditioning. So, what Skinner was trying to say, in layman’s terms is behaviorism is the belief that anyone can change or be taught to be different. The thought is with the right nurturing and nature, individuals who would normally grow up to be doctors and lawyers could be taught that being a vagabond and bum is their life calling. Or vice versa a bum grows up to be the president of the United States, or a multimillionaire, living the plush life. This is a stretch example, yet better explained by John Watson "Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own specified world to bring them up in and I'll guarantee to take any one at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select -- doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and, yes, even beggar-man and thief, regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his ancestors." (Watson, 1932). Behaviorism is a process studied by behaviorists. Behaviorists believe that changed behaviors are shaped by environmental stimuli responses. The earliest start of behaviorism stems from Ivan Pavlov, a Russian Physiologist who developed his concept of conditioned reflex through a famous study with dogs.
Bibliography: Biography.com, The. (2014, October 17). bio. Retrieved from The Biography.com website: http://www.biography.com/#!/people/ivan-petrovich-pavlov-9435332#early-life-and-education Bonczar, T., & Maruschak, L Boundless. (2014, January 1). Skinners Research . Retrieved from Boundless: https://www.boundless.com/psychology/textbooks/boundless-psychology-textbook/learning-7/operant-conditioning-47/skinner-s-research-197-12732/ Cherry, K Landrum, T., & Koffman, J. (2011). Behavioral Approaches to Classroom Management. New York: Routledge. Lee, R., Sturmey, P., & Lanny, F. (2007). SCHEDULE-INDUCED AND OPERANT MECHANISMS THAT INFLUENCE RESPONSE VARIABILITY: A REVIEW AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE INVESTIGATIONS. The Psychological Record, 57, 429-455. McLeod, S. (2007 /2013, 1 1). Pavlov 's Dogs. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from Simply Psychology: http://www.simplypsychology.org/pavlov.html McLeod, S Portman, J. (2014, January 1). First Offender Programs. Retrieved from NOLO Law for All: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/first-offender-programs.html Prince William County Skinner, B. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. In B. Skinner, Science and Human Behavior (p. 18). New York: The Free Press. Watson, J. B. (1932). Behaviorism. New York: Norton and Company.