B. F. Skinner's Baby Box

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses B.F. Skinner's baby box and the controversy surrounding the use of the invention. The paper first explains that the primary purpose of the box was to keep Skinner's baby daughter warm, safe and comfortable. The paper then discusses the arguments in favor of using the box as well as the arguments opposed to its use. The paper also includes the writer's personal opinion about using the baby box.

From the Paper:

"When B. F. Skinner built his 'baby box' it worked very well, but a lot of people were concerned that it was a 'cage' in which to keep his child. Some of this undoubtedly came from the fact that Skinner was a serious proponent of operant conditioning, where he taught a rat to pull a lever in a box in order to be given food. Naturally, this was extended to the belief that he was doing the same thing with his infant daughter - putting her in a cage and requiring her to perform certain actions in order to be given food and other necessities. Of course, this was not true, but it did not stop people from saying it."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Curry, J., & Reinecke, M. (2003). Modular therapy for adolescents with major depression. In M. Reinecke, F. Dattilio, & A. Freeman (Eds.) Cognitive Therapy with Children and Adolescents). New York: Guilford Press.
• Skinner, B.F. (1976). About Behaviorism. New York: Vintage.

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• Essay # 87129 : "The Accomplishments of B.F. Skinner"

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