Operant conditioning and superstitions

Assignment Help Other Subject

Reference no: EM13779106

superstition

Operant Conditioning and Superstitions

Many people believe that superstitions are absolutely true. This often causes them to believe and act in ways that are out of the norm either to avoid a negative outcome or to bring about a positive outcome. However, the origins of all superstitions lie in operant conditioning (for example, wearing the same shirt worn during a victory game to all future games in order to ensure victory).
In this assignment, you will examine the process by which operant conditioning can lead to the formation of a superstition.
Using the module readings, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, research the development of operant conditioning and its basic principles. Then, address the following:

Describe the historical antecedents of operant conditioning. What factors led to the rise of operant conditioning?
Describe the principles/concepts which can be applied to explain the process by which operant conditioning can lead to the development and maintenance of superstitions.
Brainstorm to come up with a number of superstitions you may have heard or read about. Using your knowledge and vocabulary of operant conditioning, choose one of these superstitions. Then, describe in detail, the thinking processes involved that resulted in the acquisition and perpetuation of this irrational belief.
Describe a specific aspect of the operant conditioning process that leads to these beliefs becoming so deeply ingrained and long standing in nature.
Explain whether a person can ever be rid of superstitions. What methods can be used to help such a person?
Interview a family member or friend to discover a superstition that he or she believes in. Explain the nature of the event that led to the formation of this superstition. Does this information fit with your understanding of how the operant conditioning process results in the development of superstitions? Why or why not?

Reference no: EM13779106

Questions Cloud

Evaluate an organization''s security policies : Evaluate an organization's security policies and risk management procedures, and its ability to provide security countermeasures. Analyze the methods of managing, controlling, and mitigating security risks and vulnerabilities.

Information security standards for an organization : Every organization must consider the mandatory and recommended practices when creating its information security program and/or security policies.

Budget cuts analysis : Over the last ten years, schools have had to make significant budget cuts. Teachers feel the brunt of educational budget cuts in many ways.

How multinational corporations deal with multiculturalis : Today most multinational corporations (MNC's) deal with multiculturalism within their own country of origin. Would you agree or disagree with this statement?

Operant conditioning and superstitions : Describe the principles/concepts which can be applied to explain the process by which operant conditioning can lead to the development and maintenance of superstitions.

Peer-group dynamics and mechanisms : Understanding peer dynamics is a very important aspect of child relationships, especially when the child reaches the teenage years. These peer group dynamics become a powerful tool for shaping behavior in positive and negative ways.

How do tom and becky feel about each other : How do Tom and Becky feel about each other? On what are these feelings based? In what way does the incident at the supper table affect Aunt Polly and Tom? Explain what new sides to Tom are revealed.

Quality-management program affect productivity : What are three of the primary obstacles encountered by the management team in adopting and installing a new information technology system?

Byronic heroes : A man proud, moody, cynical, with defiance on his brow, and misery in his heart, a scorner of his kind, implacable in revenge, yet capable of deep and strong affection

User Account

All Pages