B. F. Skinner, Contingencies of Quotes

A collection of quotes by B. F. Skinner, Contingencies of .

B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) was an influential American psychologist, behaviorist, inventor, and author. His full name was Burrhus Frederic Skinner, but he is commonly known as B. F. Skinner. Born in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Skinner is best known for his contributions to the field of psychology and the development of the theory of operant conditioning.

Skinner studied at Harvard University, where he earned his Ph.D. in psychology in 1931. He later joined the faculty at Harvard, where he spent most of his career. Skinner's work focused on understanding how behaviors are shaped and controlled by their consequences. He believed that behavior is influenced by the effects of reinforcement or punishment that follows it.

Skinner developed the Skinner Box, a controlled environment designed for studying animal behavior. He conducted numerous experiments using the Skinner Box and investigated various principles of operant conditioning, including positive and negative reinforcement, schedules of reinforcement, and shaping behaviors.

Skinner's writings had a significant impact on the field of psychology and education. His book, "Walden Two," presented a fictional utopia based on the principles of behaviorism. Another influential work, "Beyond Freedom and Dignity," challenged traditional notions of human autonomy and argued for a more deterministic understanding of behavior.

B. F. Skinner's research and theories continue to influence psychology, education, and other disciplines to this day. His emphasis on the role of environmental contingencies in shaping behavior has had a lasting impact on our understanding of human and animal behavior.