Which of the following is a true statement about B. F. Skinner?

• A. B. F. Skinner believed that unconscious motives drive behavior.
• B. B. F. Skinner developed the theory of operant conditioning.
• C. B. F. Skinner focused primarily on cognitive development.
• D. B. F. Skinner was the founder of psychoanalysis.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the key figures and theories mentioned in the options. B. F. Skinner is a well-known psychologist associated with behaviorism, particularly operant conditioning.
2. Step 2: Understand the concept of operant conditioning, which involves learning through consequences such as rewards and punishments that influence the likelihood of a behavior recurring.
3. Step 3: Recognize that unconscious motives driving behavior is a concept more closely related to psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, not Skinner.
4. Step 4: Note that cognitive development is primarily studied by Jean Piaget, not Skinner, who focused on observable behavior rather than internal mental processes.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the true statement about B. F. Skinner is that he developed the theory of operant conditioning, distinguishing his work from psychoanalysis and cognitive development.