Which of the following is true of the application of Skinner's behavioral approach?

• A. It focuses primarily on unconscious motives and internal conflicts.
• B. It emphasizes the use of reinforcement and punishment to shape behavior.
• C. It relies on introspection to understand mental processes.
• D. It considers genetic inheritance as the main determinant of behavior.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core principles of Skinner's behavioral approach, which is rooted in operant conditioning—a learning process through which behavior is shaped by consequences.
2. Step 2: Recognize that Skinner's theory emphasizes observable behavior rather than internal mental states, focusing on how reinforcement (rewards) and punishment influence the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.
3. Step 3: Identify that Skinner's approach does not focus on unconscious motives or internal conflicts; these are concepts more aligned with psychoanalytic theories.
4. Step 4: Note that Skinner's method does not rely on introspection (self-examination of thoughts and feelings), which is more characteristic of early cognitive psychology or structuralism.
5. Step 5: Understand that Skinner's behavioral approach does not prioritize genetic inheritance as the main determinant of behavior; instead, it highlights environmental factors and consequences as key influences.