Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a key concept in B.F. Skinner's behaviorist theory of personality?

1. Self-actualization

2. Reinforcement

3. Archetypes

4. Unconditional positive regard

The correct answer is: Reinforcement

B.F. Skinner's behaviorist theory of personality emphasizes the importance of reinforcement in shaping behavior. Reinforcement refers to the process by which the consequences of a behavior influence the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. Positive reinforcement strengthens a behavior by providing a favorable outcome, while negative reinforcement strengthens behavior by removing an adverse stimulus. Skinner's research focused on how behaviors could be learned and modified through reinforcement, demonstrating that personality traits and behaviors are largely the result of conditioning rather than innate qualities or motivations. This understanding is foundational in behaviorist perspectives and contrasts with other psychological theories that emphasize internal drives, such as self-actualization, which is a concept associated with humanistic psychology and not Skinner's work. Similarly, archetypes stem from Carl Jung's analytical psychology, and unconditional positive regard is a term primarily linked to Rogerian therapy. These alternative concepts do not align with Skinner's behaviorist focus on observable behaviors and their environmental reinforcements. Thus, reinforcement stands out as the key concept central to Skinner's contributions to the theory of personality.