Skinner's Comments on Free Will

Skinner argued that free will is an illusion. He claimed that human behavior is shaped by external factors and influenced by environmental stimuli. I think that while free will is a common belief, the influence of external stimuli and reinforcement is undeniable. For example, children learn from their surroundings and the factors they are exposed to during childhood.

Role of the Teacher in the Behaviorist Scheme

Skinner, one of the most influential figures in behaviorism, proposed that teachers shape behavior through structured reinforcement, rather than facilitating self-directed exploration, as in constructivist theories. Teachers are responsible for managing behavior by providing instructions, and tasks, and reinforcing desired behaviors. However, there are certain limitations—what happens if teachers fail to provide proper instruction or create a conducive learning environment?

Nature or Nurture?

Skinner argued that human behavior is largely the result of environmental influences and conditioning, rather than genetic predispositions. His emphasis on nurture is valuable, as human beings are shaped by their experiences and interactions with the world around them.

Dangers and Uses of Intelligence Tests

I believe that the dangers of intelligence tests lie in reducing intelligence to a single score, which can lead to biased assessments. A test score cannot fully define a person's intelligence or personality—intelligence is often situational and cannot be entirely captured by a numerical score.