Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to B. F. Skinner or his behaviorist psychology: Describing concepts, methods, or principles associated with the psychologist B. F. Skinner, particularly those emphasizing operant conditioning and the analysis of behavior in terms of environmental consequences.

2. Noun:

   • A follower of the theories or methods of B. F. Skinner: A person who adheres to or advocates for the behaviorist psychology developed by B. F. Skinner.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The researcher used a Skinnerian approach, setting up a controlled environment to study reinforcement schedules.
  • His Skinnerian perspective led him to focus solely on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states.

• Noun:

  • As a dedicated Skinnerian, she advocated for the application of operant conditioning in educational settings.
  • The debate featured a Skinnerian arguing against a cognitive psychologist.

Advanced Usage

• "Skinnerian behaviorism": The specific school of thought within behaviorism developed by B. F. Skinner.

  • The course focused on the foundations of Skinnerian behaviorism.

• "Skinnerian box" (often simply "Skinner box"): A controlled chamber used in operant conditioning experiments with animals.

  • The rat was placed in a Skinnerian box to study its lever-pressing behavior.

Variants and Related Words

• Skinnerianism (n): The doctrines or practices associated with B. F. Skinner's theories.
  • His work was a clear example of Skinnerianism in practice.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Behaviorist (specifically of the operant conditioning tradition).
• Noun: Behaviorist, operant conditioner.

Related Phrases

• Skinnerian conditioning: Another term for operant conditioning, as developed by Skinner.
  • The therapy utilized techniques based on Skinnerian conditioning.

Adjective

1. of or relating to B. F. Skinner or his behaviorist psychology

Noun

1. a follower of the theories or methods of B. F. Skinner