Bf Skinner: Life and Legacy

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B.F. Skinner: His Life and Legacy Larry L. Hering Liberty University Abstract B.F. Skinner was one of the most influential psychological theorists of the twentieth century. Known as one of the main behaviorists, he used his creativeness to invent some important devices, write books, and develop a comfortable crib with its own environment. He was a prominent personality theorist as well as a husband and father. One of the most impressive things about Skinner was his multi-dimensional use for his theories. He was always looking out for an opportunity to use his discoveries and beliefs in different ways. From helping his country in World War II to the invention of a crib for infants and toddlers, he implemented uses for his theories in ways that were uncommonly diverse. His enthusiasm for his own works led to a large following, but also invited much criticism. This is an examination of the variety and importance of his work. B.F. Skinner: His Life and Legacy B.F. Skinner called his Pennsylvania childhood as "warm and stable" (Skinner, 1976). As a boy, he liked building and inventing things with his brother Edward. The same skills he developed as a child were used later in his own psychological experiments as well as his inventions. Skinner had many ideas and inventions that are either used or analyzed by students every day. His unusual blend of creativeness, insight, and inventiveness can still attract attention today. He is one of the most influential psychologists of the twentieth century and his colorful history makes him an unusual case study that we can all appreciate. B.F. Skinner’s Early Life Burrhus Frederick Skinner was born on March 20, 1904, and at home they called him Fred. His father was a lawyer and his mother, originally a typist, stayed at home to raise his brother Edward and

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