Question

5) In what ways do you agree with Skinner's operant shaping principles and how would you critique them?

Answer 1

Skinner devised a method called shaping which is a part of operant conditioning. Operant shaping is all about how we train a person or an animal. Skinner believed that the subject could be trained by means of reinforcement. The target behaviour is the final act while there are number of intermediate acts which are steps to the target act. These intermediate acts are rewarded as well. I agree with these principles as they make the process of achieving the target much simpler and systematic.. The subject feels greatly encouraged after completing each task and the confidence level builds up due to which achieving the goal becomes an easier task. However, this type of reinforcement of intermediate tasks can sometimes become complex and time consuming. This method is not suitable for easier goals as it could complicate the process more. Also this method might greatly reduce the subject's capacity to focus and complete a specific task in a given time.