B.F. Skinner
Influential behaviorists like B.F. Skinner were interested in studying natural human reactions and testing them. Skinner believed that people have little control over how we turn out to be as adults, that we are ultimately a product of circumstances and children are extremely malleable. I would say that Skinner most belongs amongst Creationists because of his interest in the way humanity is- and why. Behaviorism generally studies how animals respond and react, and why their “personalities” reflect lessons learned (esp. humans).
Skinner is probably most famous for his work with operant conditioning. He was concerned with rewards and punishments that happened after the response of the experiment, which he called “reinforcements”. These dictated what responses would occur later after future trials because the subject was either more or less likely to repeat the same behavior after the reinforcement. Skinner was curious as to why we respond the way we do in different situations. He attempted to explain the production of behaviors. Many behaviorists argue that our personality is basically just a compilation of our learned behaviors and habits- in what situations an individual has been punished or rewarded. This view gives little credit to people as having free thoughts. Although Skinners contributions to psychology were considerably modern, therapists today still hold his techniques and research invaluable.
Lindsay Lowe on Not Just A Kanye West Song
10:44 pm, 12.02.13
I enjoyed reading your thoughts (and the existential thoughts) on personal growth and meaning in times of suffering. Purpose is a huge thing we look for as human beings and while we are going through trials it is extremely peaceful and comforting to believe in a higher power (for me at least) 😉 Thanks
Lindsay Lowe on Rogerian Thoughts and Views
10:41 pm, 12.02.13
Nicole, I loved how you brought up our need for fulfillment and that we look for that in many places. This is definitely something I feel like embodies Rogers’ ideas. It is something that is a great topic for Christians and psychologists alike. I agree with you that we focus a lot on positive regard and model this to kids even. Great post!
Lindsay Lowe on Alfred Adler
10:39 pm, 12.02.13
Tyler, you have some really great ideas. I think this definitely relates to redemption or the fall (the actual principle of why we feel inferior, etc.) because it is so uniquely human to compare ourselves. Definitely an interesting topic!
Lindsay Lowe on
6:17 pm, 11.17.13
Anna, I just wanted to share a personal experience that I had today that reminded me of your post. At my church I work with a pair of young autistic twins and after seeing the video clip of how effectively Psychologists have interacted, I tried it when working with these 2 kids. It was amazing their response, when I actually thought they were immature emotionally it was really eye-opening to see them blossom in response to positive reinforcement. Amazing how well this works with young ones!
Lindsay Lowe on Forever Jung
6:13 pm, 11.17.13
Irene, I loved the witty title! I hadn’t considered your perspective quite so extensively and learned a lot from reading your opinion.- especially how it can tie into our Christian faith and culture so well. It is sort of ironic, isn’t it? I almost view Jung as a seeker like the rest of us 🙂
Lindsay Lowe on The Bobo Doll represents the fall..
6:04 pm, 11.17.13
Zach, great post! My first thought when we watched the in-class Bobo doll video was that it reminded me of the fall. Even kids are inclined to follow a model. There is just an interesting facet of humanity towards aggression and our awareness to it.
Lindsay Lowe on New creation
12:10 pm, 11.04.13
I think your spin on adaptation is refreshing! I would certainly consider redemption with this one, too. Religion is something that comforts and unites many people. And I almost feel like the purpose of religion as a whole is redemption-based. Good thoughts, Anna!
Lindsay Lowe on Gestalt - Funny Name, Serious Sandwich
12:06 pm, 11.04.13
D.J., I was amused by your comment, “If we perceive there is nothing wrong with us, then we will never change.” I suppose I’ve never heard it put like that. This is very pertinent to Gestalt psychology to be sure- philosophical. I understand why you could classify this with the Fall. Great work!
Lindsay Lowe on Developmental Psychology and Creation
11:59 am, 11.04.13
Kasey, I appreciated your choice of someone who was less credited in the class materials. I especially think her therapeutic approach could be still considered revolutionary towards child psychology. Creation is a good category since we are considering the way humans are- but i would suggest that the Freud’s could also be classified under the fall in finding things potentially wrong with the human development. Great contribution!
Lindsay Lowe on Physiology and Redemption
5:27 pm, 10.20.13
Laura Kate, I found interesting your point on physiology attributed to the Fall. How this relates to the field of psychology and such. I would almost think that physiology in general could be attributed to any of the four categories, but I liked how you categorized phrenology with redemption.