Burrhus Fredrick Skinner
Krystal Hill
June 5, 2013
PSY 362
Sepideh Zarinejad

Different theorist have differing opinions on what makes people the way they are and why people do what they do. Freudian theory is probably one of the most well-known theories for most people. Many theorists still use some of the basic ideas presented by Freud in present day psychology. Another theorist that was influential and proposed ideas that are still used in modern psychology is Burrhus Fredric Skinner. Skinner is best known for his theories concerning various ways of conditioning.

Many things are theorized to affect the development of a person’s personality. Some theories seem to be more accurate than others, but most theories are still considered to hold some fact of measure of truth. The experiences that take place while an infant or in young childhood are usually considered to be a great influence on personality development (Feist, J., & Feist, G. J., 2009). But they are not the only factors. Experiences and desires later in life are also big factors in who people are and why people do what they do. A great deal of personality theory is based around what makes people do what they do; also called motivation. Even though a person’s entire life can affect their personality, most theories are based on early development. There are theories based around if a person has siblings; and where they fall in the lineup of siblings. There are theories based around the culture that a person grows up in and experiences. There are theories based on the biological make-up of the individual (Feist, J., & Feist, G. J., 2009). Skinner was the oldest child of a home-maker and a lawyer. He was much more independent then his brother, until his brother died when skinner was starting college. After the death of their younger child, Skinners parent became much more attentive and