Maslow and Skinner: Basic Theories on Human Development

BF Skinner is renowned for his theory of Operant Behavior. Basically, this states that behavior is affected by the consequence that follows the behavior. As teachers, this is something that we practice in our classrooms every day as part of our classroom management: if the behavior is unfavorable, the consequence will also be unfavorable. If the behavior is positive, the consequences will also be positive. Essentially, Skinner’s theory states that good behavior is reinforced while bad behavior is reprimanded.

Added onto this is the theory of Operant Conditioning. This states that not only is good behavior be rewarded, but the subject (person or animal) can learn to manipulate the system by continuing the positive behavior so that reinforcement is consistently given. A response that is reinforced is more likely to occur again than if it is not reinforced at all.

Maslow is best known for his higherarchy of needs – the requirements of human beings on emotional, psychological, and physical needs levels. He arranges these requirements in the shape of a 3 level pyramid, with the most essential of these needs placed at the top, and less essential needs at the bottom. Maslow was the first to suggest that simply having your physical survival needs met is not enough:

Level 1: survival – food and shelter
Level 2: emotional/social – social interaction (relationships), security
Level 3: creativity, self-esteem, ability to express oneself

Although the most necessary of these needs is placed at the top of the pyramid, this does not mean that a person can be a complete, happy individual without all of these levels present in their life. Surely a person can survive without aspects of the bottom two levels of this pyramid, but this does not mean that they will be a happy, well-adjusted, emotionally secure individual. Although Maslow does not give suggestions for meeting all three levels of needs, he acknowledged the fact that to be all of these things, all three levels must be present.