B. F. SKINNER INTRODUCTION Giant of 20th century psychology Psychology of actions Not much developmental CONTRIBUTIONS Methodology - philosophy of science: -- Focus on overt behavior & objective report -- Behavior resides in the individual N=1 designs -- Functional analysis functional definitions Principles -- Principle of reinforcement (empirical law of effect) Positive If R--->+C, and R strengthed, then C is positive reinforcer Negative If R--->-C, and R strengthed, then C is negative reinforcer. -- Extinction -- Punishment If R--->+C, and R is weakened, then C is punisher. If R--->-C, and R is weakened, then C is punisher. Minor Principles Other Characteristics -- Preference for positive control -- Practical implications (behavior modification) CONCLUSION