Assignment task: Please respond to one of the following two discussion boards.
(1) Please read the relevant textbook and lecture material as well as the first NY Times article in the Course Material Reading Folder.
Let's discuss Skinner's theory of operant conditioning, in particular his four schedules of partial reinforcement. (i) Briefly define each schedule of reinforcement. (ii) Describe behaviors in your own life that you learned as a result of each partial reinforcement schedule; that is, describe four behaviors in total, one for each partial reinforcement schedule. (iii) If the schedules were removed, which behaviors likely would cease -- that is become extinct -- and which behaviors likely would continue? Why?
- OR-
(2) Please read the relevant material on social learning theory (modeling) in your textbook and lecture material as well as the last three NY Times articles in the Course Material Reading Folder.
In the 1970s a comprehensive psychological research study concluded that children and teenagers who watch violent movies and television programs are far more likely to behave aggressively themselves. After this study, changes were made by federal and state governments to protect children and teenagers from violent media including a rating system for movies and more recently a rating system for television programs, video games, and music. (A ruling by the US Supreme Court clarified the constitutional limits of the rating system.)
These changes were made on the belief that children and teenagers learn aggressive behavior through modeling the behaviors of people in movies, on TV, and in video games. (i) Present and discuss research findings that support and/or dispute these changes. (ii) What do you believe? Why? (iii) Should research on human psychology be used as a basis for society (meaning government) to create regulations that shape the behaviors of children and teenagers? Explain.
Effective presentation of your own hypotheses, opinions, and points of view, including your own professional and/or personal experiences.
Some citation omissions for work derived from other sources, including PSY 1100 course material.
Book name is
Myers, D. & Dewall, C. (2020). Psychology. 13th Ed. [Textbook]