Assignment 2: LASA 1—Operant Conditioning and Superstitions
John Conn
Argosy
Assignment 2: LASA 1—Operant Conditioning and Superstitions
E.L.
Thorndike is considered the first researcher to study “nonreflexive
behaviors” of animals and the behaviors can be modified as the result of
experience (Mazur, 2006, p. 119). The theory of behavior and cognition
dates back to 1596 with Descartes, where he thought that humans and
non-human animals had similar functions based on mechanical or machine
principles (Armstrong & Botzler, 1993, p. 281). Darwin initiated
animal research with the suggestion that the anatomy of humans and
animals were similar as well as emotions and cognitions (Wallace, 2012).
Thorndike’s theory consists of the law of effect, law of readiness, and
law of exercise, which the classic example of a cat learning to escape
from a “puzzle box” by pressing a lever inside the box (Mazur, 2006, p.
119).
Thorndike
is credited for the first investigations of the principle of
reinforcement but it was B.F. Skinner who increased the interest and
used the terms operant conditioning (Mazur, 2006, p. 131). Skinner
researched behavior that “reflected that behavior is strengthened
through reinforcement” (Mazur, 2006, p. 131).
Superstitious
behavior was based from the stop-action principle and that behaviors
may be strengthened by accident. Skinner conducted the superstition
experiment that “made a strong case for the power of accidental
reinforcement” (Mazur, 2006, p. 123). Skinner, Guthrie, and Horton
noticed that each cat or pigeon had distinctive styles of moving the
pole and reinforcement was delivered and strengthened the behavior
(Mazur, 2006). Superstitions and sports go hand in hand by witnessing a
baseball player use the same glove or having a routine before stepping
into the batter’s box. A player that touches each corner of the home
plate with his bat before getting ready to hit the ball may have had
luck at one point that triggered the repetitive behavior of the ritual.
Superstitions frequently happen when the individual actually has no
control over the events taking place (Mazur, 2006, p. 123). The baseball
player has a form of control when it comes to hitting the baseball but
the sequences performed that may create good luck may make a person feel
like they have more control or greater luck of chance to hit a homerun
or game winning single. Superstitious behavior developed from an
accidental association between action and consequences (Mazur, 2006) so
the continued behavior will happen as long as the desired outcome is
maintained. A baseball player will continue to have a routine or some
item that brings luck if the player is happy with the desired outcome.
Shaping is a behavior modification tool that will help guide a baseball
player to think differently about the superstitions. The use of
scheduled reinforcements will set times when the reinforce will or will
not be used. Having the player that uses a routine or wears a trinket
not use these prior to batting and see what the outcome may be.
Superstitious behavior should stop after the grouping of success without
this behavior or item.
This
author interviewed his fiancé and the superstition was walking under
ladders. The reason behind this superstition was started from an
accident where she had something dropped on her head by a family member
that was getting some item off a shelf in the house they lived. The
connection between getting hurt and someone on the ladder made her weary
of walking around or under ladders.
References
Armstrong, S. J., & Botzler, R. G. (1993). In Environmental Ethics: Divergence and Convergence
[Adobe PDF]. Retrieved from
http://dhaydock.org/Philosophy/Unit%202%20-%20Animal%20and%20Machine%20Minds/Descartes%20Animals%20as%20Machines.pdf
Mazur, J. E. (2006). Learning and Behavior (6th ed.) [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from http://digitalbookshelf.argosy.edu/#/books/0558220231/pages/48393079
Wallace,
A. R. (2012). Darwin’s “The Expression of the Emotions in Man and
Animals”. Retrieved from
http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/wallace/S220.htm
