Skinner believed that reinforcement was necessary for an operant behavior to be acquired. Observational learning, however, demonstrates that a behavior can also be acquired as a result of
A) punishment.
B) observing another individual's behavior and the reinforcement of his behavior.
C) preparedness.
D) classical conditioning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Observational learning involves observing another individual's behavior and the consequences that follow. Through this process, an individual can learn to imitate and adopt the observed behavior. This means that reinforcement of the observed behavior plays a critical role in whether or not the behavior will be acquired. While punishment, preparedness, and classical conditioning can all influence behavior, they do not necessarily contradict Skinner's belief that reinforcement is necessary for operant behaviors to be acquired.

Skinner Believed That Reinforcement Was Necessary for an Operant Behavior