Assignment 2: Operant Conditioning and Superstitions

Many people believe that superstitions are absolutelytrue. This often causes them to believe and act in ways that are out ofthe norm either to avoid a negative outcome or to bring about a positiveoutcome. However, the origins of all superstitions lie in operantconditioning (for example, wearing the same shirt worn during a victorygame 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 onlinelibrary resources, and the Internet, research the development of operantconditioning 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 theprocess by which operant conditioning can lead to the development andmaintenance of superstitions.
• Brainstorm to come up with a number of superstitions you may haveheard or read about. Using your knowledge and vocabulary of operantconditioning, choose one of these superstitions. Then, describe indetail, the thinking processes involved that resulted in the acquisitionand perpetuation of this irrational belief.
• Describe a specific aspect of the operant conditioning process thatleads to these beliefs becoming so deeply ingrained and long standing innature.
• 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 thathe or she believes in. Explain the nature of the event that led to theformation of this superstition. Does this information fit with yourunderstanding of how the operant conditioning process results in thedevelopment of superstitions? Why or why not?

Write a 3–4-page paper in Word format. The paper shouldbe double-spaced and in 12 point, Times New Roman font with regularone-inch margins and free of typographical and grammatical errors. ApplyAPA standards to citation of sources. Be sure to include a title pageand a reference page.