Operant conditioning was first described by the American psychologist B. F. Skinner (1904 – 1990) (Skinner, 1938). It is a method of learning that uses satisfiers and contra-satisfiers to alter behaviour. Skinner found that, if a behaviour was associated with a satisfier, or as it is more commonly referred to as a reward, then it was likely to be repeated. This is referred to as reinforcement of the behaviour. Ultimately, if a behaviour is sufficiently reinforced, it can become automatic or unconscious. On the other hand, if a behaviour was associated with a contra-satisfier or punishment, then it was less likely to be repeated. If it was sufficiently punished, then it could become entirely forgotten or extinguished.
Normally, before we act, a decision is made unconsciously and passed to the conscious mind which then vets it. If the act is deemed to be satisfactory, the conscious mind approves it. However, if it is deemed unsatisfactory, then it is blocked and the unconscious mind must think again. In this way our more rational conscious mind can condition our more creative unconscious. It is like riding a bicycle. Initially, it can take considerable conscious effort, but over time we learn to control the bicycle unconsciously with little or no conscious intervention. The same principle applies to operant conditioning. However, in the case of conditioning the conscious mind is replaced by satisfiers or contra-satisfiers from an external agent.
An example of extinguishment is cultural denial. If a topic is one that causes people anxiety, then we are discouraged from raising it by other members of our community. That is, they punish us socially for doing so, and ultimately the topic becomes extinguished from our minds. That is, we fall into denial.
Although operant conditioning was first formally recognised by Skinner, it has been used in practice for a very long time. In fact, because the practice of conditioning others can be seen in alpha members of animal herds and packs, it probably predates the evolution of homo sapiens. To cite human examples, some religions have conditioned behaviours and beliefs in their members through regular ritual practices, and continue to do so. Kings and emperors have conditioned compliance through reward or threats of physical punishment. In the present day, we are conditioned as consumers through advertisements that promise psychological or practical rewards for our purchases.
Once a threshold percentage of the population has been conditioned to behave in a particular way, that behaviour becomes a part of its culture, i.e., a value, a norm, or a belief. The conditioning then becomes self-sustaining through a process of socialization. That is, we reward one another socially for compliance, and punish one another for non-compliance. Aspects of the culture in our social environment can act as a satisfier, as a contra-satisfier, or can be neutral for an individual or organisation depending on their needs and circumstances. The more a culture acts as a satisfier the more likely it is to be adopted and the less likely it is to be rejected. Together, conditioning, socialization and acceptance can steer the evolution of a culture. This is almost certainly the case with the shift from traditional values, often religiously inspired, to self-expression values, often consumption inspired, noted by the World Values Survey (World Values Survey Association, 2020). Bluntly put, the satisfaction of our more basic needs today is a stronger driver of behaviour than the satisfaction of our higher needs tomorrow. So, consumer conditioning has replaced religious conditioning.
Unfortunately, we are all susceptible to conditioning. This is because of the way that our minds have evolved. Both religious and consumer conditioning are ways of controlling the majority in the interest of an elite minority. Thus, many aspects of religion and consumerism are harmful to society. Additionally, many aspects of consumerism are harmful to the natural environment. Fortunately, providing we develop the more rational and conscious aspect of our minds, there is much that we can do to avoid or overcome such conditioning. However, before describing my suggested approach, I would like to clarify the nature of consciousness.
A detailed explanation of consciousness can be found at https://rational-understanding.com/2021/10/22/consciousness/. In summary, however, it is an awareness of one’s own mental processes. Unfortunately, the popular definition incorrectly includes an awareness of one’s surroundings. Very primitive animals, that we would hesitate to describe as being conscious, are aware of their surroundings and, because people have evolved from simpler organisms, this awareness is a function of our unconscious mind. The unconscious mind then passes relevant information, particularly any threats or opportunities, to the conscious one. For example, a noise while we are sleeping will awaken us, or the flick of a curtain on the opposite side of the street will automatically draw our attention. Because of this misunderstanding, use of the internet search term “increasing consciousness” will yield advice on how to improve one’s perception of the external world, or how to achieve a mystical “higher level of consciousness”. However, from personal experience, I would recommend painting or photography to increase one’s perception of the external world. After some practice, colours will become more vibrant, and the arrangement of objects more interesting. Returning to the correct definition of consciousness, some of us are more conscious of our own minds than others. Nevertheless, this too can be improved with practice and the appropriate internet search term is “increasing self-awareness”.
The approach that I would recommend for avoiding or removing any conditioning is therefore as follows.
- Consciously recognise conditioning attempts whilst they are happening. This is not difficult. There will be much repetition accompanied by implied or overt promises of satisfiers, or threats of contra-satisfiers.
- Consciously recognise any social pressures from, for example, friends, colleagues, and advertising, to accept a value, norm, or belief.
- Consciously recognise when we are engaging in conditioned behaviour. Again, there will be repetition and the behaviour will be carried out unconsciously. There may also be a sense of compulsion or addiction.
- Consciously question whether the behaviour makes sense and is good for us, our society, and the natural environment.
Armed with this knowledge, it is then possible to avoid conditioning. It is also possible, but difficult, to de-condition ourselves. The latter is sometimes referred to as self-control.
- Firstly, avoid any further conditioning attempts and any social pressures. For example, don’t watch adverts and don’t mix with people who pressurise others in this way.
- Consciously block conditioned behaviours whenever they are prompted by the unconscious mind. To this end it may be necessary to stimulate conscious thought by, for example, using sticky labels on anything used in the behaviour or by asking a friend or partner to alert you to such behaviour. Keep your responses to ones of gratitude though, or they will quickly become conditioned against helping you.
- Rehearse the negatives of a conditioned behaviour whenever you become aware of it. A written list will help. This is a mild form of aversion therapy, but I would not recommend any stronger form.
- Nor would I recommend rewarding yourself whenever you block a behaviour except to feel pleased. Anything more may condition some other behaviour.
References
B.F. Skinner (1938). “The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis.” Cambridge, Massachusetts: B.F. Skinner Foundation. ISBN 1-58390-007-1, ISBN 0-87411-487-X
World Values Survey Association (2020). “Findings and Insights”. https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp
Rational-Understanding.com 