Big Bang Theory - Conditioning Penny

As fans of the Big Bang Theory TV Show (most notably my wife and oldest daughter) are no doubt aware, within the "The Gothowitz Deviation" episode (Season 3: Episode 3), there is a short segment where Sheldon tries to train Penny using Operant Conditioning.

There are a number of different versions of the clip at YouTube and other video sites. In my mind (Kent) the best version for a high school class can be found at http://blogs.cornell.edu/gp08ha1115/files/2010/04/Big-Bang-Theory-OB-21.mp4

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Classical versus Operant Conditioning

Jim Biederman from the Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge and Coon Rapids, MN has developed a number of study aides for his General Psychology students helping them to sort out the the differences between classical and operant conditioning. They include a short document reviewing the types of conditioning, and two sets of examples to help students apply the information to the real world.

Classical and Operant Conditioning Study Sheet
http://www.ar.cc.mn.us/biederman/courses/p1110/conditioning.htm

Conditioning Examples Set 1 - examples and answers on the same sheet
http://www.ar.cc.mn.us/biederman/courses/p1110/examples1.htm

Conditioning Examples Set 2 - examples with answers at a linked location
http://www.ar.cc.mn.us/biederman/courses/p1110/conditioning2.htm

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BF Skinner Foundation

According to their website, "the B. F. Skinner Foundation provides historical information about the life and contributions of B. F. Skinner and supports humane practices based upon his heritage".

The website includes:

• a biography of Skinner's life
• a brief article by Skinner, "A Brief Survey of Operant Conditioning", detailing the basics of operant conditioning
• some photos and video clips of Skinner
• a complete online book, Science and Human Behavior

The site can be found at http://www.bfskinner.org

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Squirrel Obstacle Course

This is a short video of a squirrel going through a number of obstacles to reach a simple reward. The clip is a perfect demonstration of many operant conditioning concepts, especially the shaping process.

After classes have viewed the squirrel's work, students, as a class or in small groups, could discuss how to train a squirrel to learn all the many steps in the process.

If the below clip does not work on your computer, do an internet search for "squirrel obstacle course".

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PigeonRank: Online Search System

Looking to add a little fun to your lecture on Operant Conditioning? At some point in your discussions of the practical uses of conditioning have your students read through Google's explanation of their PigeonRank technology at http://www.google.com/technology/pigeonrank.html, then sit back and wait to see how long it takes for them to get to the very last line printed in red.

This would be especially effective after a discussion of Skinner's proposals in WWII to use specially trained pigeons as a "guidance system" in missiles. For more information on that concept go to:

• http://historywired.si.edu/objectvoted.cfm?ID=353

• http://www.spring.org.uk/2007/06/pigeon-guided-missiles-superstitious.php

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Pigeon

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Skinner's Walden Two

Walden Two is Skinner's classic attempt to put the principles of operant conditioning into practice. More a traditional novel with a storyline than an academic explanation of theory, Skinner tries to explain what a society based on operant conditioning would look like.

The complete book is not yet online for free. Amazon.com has used copies for under $1 a piece.

Compete online version of the Spark Notes for Walden Two
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/walden2/

Wikipedia entry for Walden Two
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walden_Two

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