In this clip, good examples of positive and negative reinforcement from Family Guy are included. It is useful because it clearly illustrates how both types of reinforcement work. Considering this can sometimes be confusing, using funny clips from Family Guy make it easier to keep straight.
In the clip below, Dr. Viktor Frankl, who developed logotherapy, describes how behaviorism is somewhat limited. He claims that Skinner restricted his research, where only animalistic characteristics were studied. Frankl does not disagree with the fact that human behavior has rules, yet he claims the human dimension (e.g. consciousness) is an important part missing from behaviorism. He uses the metaphor of a plane on the ground to explain his point. He says that just because a plane moves on the ground in the same way as a car does, it does not mean that it is the same as a car or that it can not fly. If humans are like planes, Skinner restricted his research to a plane while on land, but never studied the distinguishing feature of a plane:its ability to fly.
This clip was useful because it helped me to see (although Skinner does admit this in his writing), that behaviorism is restricted. It does not attempt to explain phenomenon that is beyond being observed and/or measured. It is important to keep this piece of the puzzle in mind, while appreciating its fundamental contributions to psychology.
No comments:
Post a Comment