B.F. Skinner

Who Was B.F. Skinner?

B.F. Skinner was a prominent American psychologist whose pioneering work in behaviorism has significantly influenced the field of psychology. After earning his doctorate from Harvard University, Skinner published several foundational texts, including The Behavior of Organisms (1938) and the novel Walden Two (1948), which articulated his theories on human behavior. His later works, particularly Beyond Freedom and Dignity (1971), explored the implications of behaviorism in societal contexts.

Early Life

Burrhus Frederic Skinner was born on March 20, 1904, in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, where he spent his childhood. His father, a lawyer, and his mother, a homemaker, fostered an environment that encouraged Skinner’s early interests, particularly in constructing gadgets and devices. He attended Hamilton College, where he cultivated a passion for writing. After graduating in 1926, Skinner briefly pursued a career as a writer but met with limited success. In 1928, he redirected his career path by enrolling in Harvard University to study psychology.

The Skinner Box

While at Harvard, Skinner sought a more empirical approach to studying behavior, which led to the development of the operant conditioning apparatus, commonly known as the Skinner Box. This innovative device allowed him to observe how animals, starting with rats, interacted with their environment. The apparatus dispensed food at varying intervals, enabling Skinner to study the animals’ learning behaviors. He later conducted similar experiments with pigeons, who learned to peck a disc to receive food rewards. Through these studies, Skinner concluded that reinforcement plays a crucial role in learning new behaviors. He published his findings in The Behavior of Organisms (1938), distinguishing his work from that of Ivan Pavlov by focusing on learned responses rather than involuntary reflexes.

Later Work

During his tenure at the University of Minnesota, Skinner undertook an ambitious project to train pigeons as guide animals for bombing missions during World War II; however, this initiative was ultimately abandoned. Instead, he focused on family life and innovation, creating the “baby tender,” a temperature-controlled crib without slats for his second daughter, Deborah.

In 1945, Skinner was appointed chair of the psychology department at Indiana University but returned to Harvard two years later, where he continued to teach and conduct research until his retirement. His interests expanded to education, leading to the development of a teaching machine designed to enhance children’s learning experiences. His 1968 publication, The Technology of Teaching, reflected his commitment to educational reform.

Skinner’s novel Walden Two (1948) presented a utopian vision of society shaped by behavior modification through rewards and punishments, sparking debate among scholars regarding its implications. His subsequent works in the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly Beyond Freedom and Dignity (1971), faced criticism for seemingly denying free will and individual consciousness, notably from linguist Noam Chomsky. In response to these critiques, Skinner published About Behaviorism (1974) to clarify his position.

Final Years and Death

In his later years, Skinner authored several autobiographies, chronicling his life and contributions to behavioral psychology—a field he helped establish. He remained an active participant in psychological research until his health declined. In 1989, he was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away on August 18, 1990, at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Skinner’s identification of the role of reinforcement in learning remains a critical contribution to psychology. His belief in positive reinforcement as a powerful tool for shaping behavior continues to influence educational practices today. The B.F. Skinner Foundation, led by his daughter, Julie S. Vargas, perpetuates his legacy and promotes his theories within the field.