Overview:
In this text, B.F. Skinner addresses Konorski and Miller’s proposed “new” type of conditioned reflex. He argues that their proposed type is actually a complex case involving one of the existing types. He then presents a more fundamental characterization of both types of conditioned reflexes, emphasizing the role of the reinforcing stimulus and the distinction between respondent and operant behavior.
Main Parts:
- Redefining Conditioned Reflexes: Skinner redefines the two types of conditioned reflexes based on the contingency of the reinforcing stimulus: Type S (reinforcement contingent upon a stimulus) and Type R (reinforcement contingent upon a response).
- Respondent vs. Operant Behavior: He introduces the distinction between respondent behavior, elicited by a specific stimulus, and operant behavior, which occurs spontaneously in the absence of a specific stimulus. He argues that Type S reflexes are respondents, while Type R reflexes are operants.
- Discriminations: Skinner outlines three basic types of discriminations based on the contingency of the reinforcing stimulus, each involving a narrowing of the correlation between stimulus and response.
- “Putting Through” and Operant Behavior: He refutes Konorski and Miller’s argument that a response must be “put through” to be conditioned. Skinner instead argues that “putting through” reinforces component parts of the response, and the complete response is generated through successive approximation.
- Implications and Advantages: Skinner concludes by explaining the advantages of his formulation, highlighting its simplicity, consistency with experimental data, and ability to account for a wider range of phenomena.
View on Life: Skinner emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of reinforcement in shaping behavior, suggesting that all behavior, whether respondent or operant, is shaped by its consequences.
Scenarios:
- Konorski and Miller’s Proposed “New” Type: Konorski and Miller propose a new type of conditioned reflex where a response is reinforced in the presence of a stimulus that also elicits the response.
- Skinner’s Response: Skinner argues this is not a new type but a complex case involving the existing types, with a respondent and an operant component.
- “Putting Through”: Konorski and Miller argue that some responses must be “put through” to be conditioned, but Skinner argues that this involves reinforcing component parts of the response.
Challenges:
- Defining and Distinguishing Types of Conditioned Reflexes: Konorski and Miller’s proposed “new” type challenges the traditional understanding of conditioned reflexes.
- Explaining the Origin of Operant Behavior: How does spontaneous behavior arise in the absence of a specific stimulus?
- Reconciling the Role of “Putting Through” in Conditioning: How does “putting through” relate to the established principles of conditioning?
Conflict:
- Disagreement over the Definition of Conditioned Reflexes: Skinner and Konorski and Miller disagree on the definition of the types of conditioned reflexes.
Plot:
The text follows a logical progression, starting with a definition of the two types of conditioned reflexes and the distinction between respondent and operant behavior. Skinner then addresses Konorski and Miller’s proposed “new” type, refutes their argument, and provides a more comprehensive explanation of both types.
Point of View:
The text is written from Skinner’s perspective, providing his own explanation and critique of Konorski and Miller’s work.
How it’s written:
The text is written in a formal and scholarly tone, using clear and concise language. It is characterized by a focus on scientific reasoning and evidence.
Example: “If the stimulus is already correlated with a response or the response with a stimulus, a reinforcement cannot be made contingent upon the one term without being put into a similar relation with the other.”
Tone:
The tone is serious and objective, focusing on the scientific analysis of the topic.
Life choices:
The text emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of reinforcement in shaping behavior, implying that we can make choices that lead to desired outcomes.
Lessons:
- The importance of precise definitions and classifications in science: The text highlights the importance of clear definitions in understanding complex phenomena.
- The role of reinforcement in shaping behavior: The text underscores the influence of reinforcement in both respondent and operant behavior.
- The value of critical thinking and analysis: The text encourages readers to critically analyze existing theories and propose alternative explanations.
Characters:
- B.F. Skinner: The author of the text, a renowned psychologist known for his work on operant conditioning.
- Konorski and Miller: The authors of the paper being critiqued, psychologists who proposed a new type of conditioned reflex.
Themes:
- The Nature of Learning: How do organisms acquire new behaviors?
- The Importance of Reinforcement: The impact of reinforcement on shaping behavior.
- The Power of Scientific Inquiry: The value of critical analysis and questioning existing theories.
Principles:
- Contingency of Reinforcement: Behavior is shaped by the relationship between responses and their consequences.
- Respondent vs. Operant Behavior: Distinct types of behavior require different explanations and approaches.
- Successive Approximation: Complex behaviors can be shaped through reinforcement of component parts.
Intentions:
- Skinner’s intention: To present a more accurate and comprehensive account of conditioned reflexes.
- Reader’s intention: To gain a better understanding of the two types of conditioned reflexes and the distinction between respondent and operant behavior.
Unique Vocabulary:
- Respondent: A reflex elicited by a specific stimulus.
- Operant: A behavior that occurs spontaneously in the absence of a specific stimulus.
- Successive Approximation: The process of shaping a complex behavior by reinforcing component parts.
Anecdotes:
- “Putting Through” Example: Konorski and Miller described how a dog could be trained to press a lever by having its paw placed on the lever and reinforced with food.
Ideas:
- The Two Types of Conditioned Reflexes: Skinner proposes a more precise and fundamental definition of the two types of conditioned reflexes based on the contingency of the reinforcing stimulus.
- The Distinction between Respondent and Operant Behavior: This distinction is crucial for understanding the complexities of behavior and its underlying mechanisms.
Facts and Findings:
- The discovery of operant behavior: Thorndike’s work in 1898 demonstrated the existence of behavior not elicited by specific stimuli.
- The significance of reinforcement: Numerous studies have shown the powerful impact of reinforcement in shaping behavior.
Statistics:
None are cited in this text.
Points of View:
- Skinner’s perspective: Skinner presents his own view of conditioned reflexes and challenges the perspectives of other researchers.
- Konorski and Miller’s perspective: Their proposed “new” type of conditioned reflex reflects a different understanding of the underlying principles.
Perspective:
This text offers a specific perspective on conditioned reflexes, focusing on the importance of reinforcement and the distinction between respondent and operant behavior. This perspective is valuable for understanding the complexities of learning and behavior.