Problem 8 - An Introduction to Theories of Personality

Question

Give an example from real life or from fiction to support the following statement by Skinner: A good way to reduce the probability of undesirable behavior is by reinforcing incompatible, desirable behavior.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

In real life, a child who often interrupts adult conversations can be given praise and attention when quietly engaging in a separate activity while adults are talking. The positive reinforcement increases the chances of the child repeating this desirable behavior in the future, which reduces the likelihood of interruptions.

Step 1: Understand Concept

Firstly, understand the concept of behaviour reinforcement. Skinner's theory postulates that behaviours which are reinforced tend to be repeated (i.e., strengthened), and behaviours that are not reinforced or are punished tend to be weakened (i.e., extinguished). An incompatible behavior is a behavior that cannot occur at the same time as another behavior. For example, a child cannot be reading a book and watching television simultaneously. These two behaviors are incompatible. If one behavior is reinforced, the likelihood of the other behavior occurring at the same time decreases.

Step 2: Identify an Example

Identify a suitable example. Let's take the case of a child who has a habit of interrupting adult conversations. The undesirable behavior here is the interruption. To reinforce an incompatible desirable behavior, the child could be commended and given extra attention when they quietly engage in a different activity (like drawing or reading) while adults are having a conversation.

Step 3: Apply Skinner's Principle

Apply Skinner's principle to the example. The positive reinforcement (praise and attention) increases the likelihood that the child will repeat the desirable behavior (engaging quietly in another activity) in the future. This in turn reduces the chance of the child displaying the undesirable behavior (interrupting adult conversations).