What focus did B.F. Skinner have regarding behavioral issues?

• A. Developmental stages of children
• B. Behavioral modification techniques through rewards
• C. The impact of peer pressure on behavior
• D. Cognitive development in children

Answer: (B)

B.F. Skinner's focus was primarily on behavioral modification techniques through rewards, which are foundational to his theory of operant conditioning. He believed that behavior is shaped by its consequences, specifically reinforcement and punishment. Skinner conducted experiments using positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors and negative reinforcement to decrease undesirable behaviors.

His work demonstrated that when a behavior is followed by a reward, it is more likely to be repeated in the future. This approach has been extensively applied in various fields, including education, psychology, and behavioral therapy, emphasizing the role of external stimuli in influencing behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings.

In contrast, the other options touch on different psychological or developmental topics that Skinner did not focus on. Developmental stages of children focus on cognitive or emotional growth over time, which is associated with theorists like Piaget and Erikson. The impact of peer pressure on behavior tends to relate to social psychology, while cognitive development in children also pertains to mental processes rather than behavior alone.