Question

What is the basis of Skinner's unwillingness to attribute complex behavior to a controlling self or personality?

a) Skinner believes that self-control is the primary factor in complex behavior
b) Skinner argues that personality is the sole determinant of behavior
c) Skinner emphasizes the influence of genetics on complex behavior
d) Skinner believes that behavior is primarily shaped by external contingencies

Answer 1

Skinner's unwillingness to attribute complex behavior to a controlling self or personality is based on his belief that behavior is shaped by external factors like reinforcements and punishments, rather than an inborn self or personality traits.

Step-by-step explanation:

The basis of Skinner's unwillingness to attribute complex behavior to a controlling self or personality is that Skinner believes that behavior is primarily shaped by external contingencies. B. F. Skinner, a renowned behaviorist, theorized that the environment and the reinforcements or punishments within it are solely responsible for the development and modification of behavior. He argued that personality and behavior are not inborn traits but are the results of learned responses to various external stimuli.

Skinner's approach to personality and behavior deviates from the idea that there is a fixed self or personality dictating our actions. Instead, he posited that we show consistency in our behavior because we have learned to respond in certain ways to particular outcomes. This learning process is an ongoing journey throughout an individual's life depending on the reinforcements and punishments experienced.