Consider a time that you felt confident. How would you describe this in behavioral terms? Carefully use Skinner’s analysis of “feeling” confident and outline possible contingencies to explain your “confidence”.
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Describing Confidence in Behavioral Terms Using Skinner’s Analysis
Introduction
Confidence is a common term used to describe a state of self-assurance or trust in one’s abilities. However, from a behavioral perspective, particularly within the framework of B.F. Skinner’s analysis of behavior, “confidence” can be understood differently. Skinner, a leading figure in behaviorism, argued that feelings like confidence are not causes of behavior but are instead descriptive of certain patterns of behavior that have been reinforced over time (Skinner, 1974).
Behavioral Description of Confidence
In behavioral terms, confidence can be described as a set of observable behaviors that have been strengthened through positive reinforcement. For example, if I were to reflect on a time I felt confident, such as during a public speaking event, the confidence would be evident in the way I spoke clearly, maintained eye contact, and presented my ideas without hesitation. These behaviors are not driven by an internal feeling of confidence but rather are the result of a history of reinforcement. Over time, behaviors associated with effective public speaking—such as receiving praise, positive audience feedback, or achieving successful outcomes—were reinforced, increasing the likelihood that these behaviors would be exhibited in future similar situations (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2020).
Skinner’s Analysis of “Feeling” Confident
Skinner (1974) argued that what we often refer to as “feelings” are simply by-products of behavior and not the causes of it. From this perspective, feeling confident does not cause me to behave in a confident manner. Instead, the confident behavior is the result of past contingencies that have shaped and reinforced such behavior. According to Skinner, confidence is not a mental state but a label we apply to a pattern of behaviors that have been reinforced.
Contingencies Explaining Confidence
The contingencies that explain confidence involve a three-term contingency: antecedent, behavior, and consequence (Cooper et al., 2020). In the case of the public speaking example, the antecedent might be the context of delivering a speech. The behavior includes speaking clearly, maintaining eye contact, and organizing thoughts coherently. The consequences are the audience’s positive reactions, such as applause, compliments, or successful achievement of communication goals. These positive consequences serve as reinforcement, making it more likely that I will engage in similar behaviors in future public speaking situations.
Additionally, the absence of negative reinforcement, such as avoiding mistakes or embarrassment, also strengthens these behaviors. Over time, the repeated reinforcement of effective public speaking behaviors leads to the development of what is socially described as “confidence.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, from Skinner’s behavioral perspective, confidence is not an internal feeling that drives behavior but a label for a set of behaviors that have been reinforced over time. By understanding confidence through the lens of behaviorism, it becomes clear that what we call confidence is actually the result of a history of contingencies that have shaped and maintained certain behaviors. This analysis aligns with Skinner’s broader view that behavior, rather than internal states, should be the focus of psychological study.
References
Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.
Skinner, B. F. (1974). About behaviorism. Knopf.