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lynchilla3 karma

Great reply, one which I wouldn't expect from many in the field of social psychology. I actually have a strong interest in behavior analysis. In fact, I idolize a few people in the field of behavioral neuroscience.

I've had similar questions myself, especially regarding novel situations. For example, in any Skinner box experiment, there cannot be reinforcement of a lever press without the behavior first occurring. So what causes that initial lever press? One answer I was guided to by a professor was in the book by William Baum, Understanding Behaviorism, in which creativity and novel behavior is discussed as capable as being reinforced or punished. Among animals, these behaviors can also be influenced by genetics to explore, burrow, and so on which serves to find food or shelter. It just so happens that these behaviors find success and recur.

Furthermore, too much rigidity and to only express behaviors under conditions which have been previously rewarded would find much less success, hence fewer opportunities for reinforcement. To behave such a way would be detrimental to a normal lifestyle, much like the lifestyles of those with autism spectrum disorders. However, as far as the neuroscience behind the phenomena goes, I know very little.

I appreciate your time and effort in replying. I'd really enjoy discussing this further if at all possible.

lynchilla2 karma

Thanks for doing this AMA! Super interesting.

Any thoughts on radical behaviorism?