Is Human Behavior Learned?

"Happiness is a...by-product of operant reinforcement. The things which make us happy are the things which reinforce us." (B. F. Skinner)

It is believed, and also proven, that certain kinds of consequences have on the frequency of behavior. This is called operant conditioning (Burger, 2011, p. 348).

Since I was a little girl and I started going to school, I learned that by studying hard I would obtain good grades. Therefore, I became very studious!

How Often Do You Use Defense Mechanisms?

Defense mechanisms are used in order to decrease our anxiety. Have you ever felt the need to hide your feelings? Why?

Freud believed that defense mechanisms were used in the attempt to reduce or avoid anxiety by keeping unconscious thoughts from bursting into consciousness (Burger, 2011, p. 46).

Like in the video Split Personality by Pink, sometimes I "split" my personality to avoid pain. Am I using a defense mechanism?

What Motivates You?

"I'm someone who likes plowing new ground then walking away from it. I get bored. I like discovery, not proving." (Abraham Maslow)
Maslow identified two types of motives. The first one, deficiency motives are satisfied, and for a period of time stop directing behavior, once the needed object, such as food for example, has been obtained. The second one, growth needs, are not satisfied once the object of the need is found. Instead, growth need may even lead to an increase of the need (Burger, 2011, p. 284).
"Whether one calls it a growth tendency, a drive towards self-actualization, or a forward moving directional tendency, it is the mainspring of life." (Carl Rogers)

I am never satisfied. The more I accomplish, the more I desire.

Who is to blame?

"Humanistic psychologists argue that our behaviors represent personal choices of what we want to do at a particular moment" (Burger, 2011, p. 277).

The humanistic psychology presents some key elements, such as emphasis on personal responsibility; emphasis on "here and now;" a focus on phenomenology of an individual; and an emphasis on personal growth (Burger, 2011, p. 277).

I am to blame for my mistakes? Why or why not? Should I blame our society?

A Biological Basis for Personality

"Hans Eysenck argued that differences in personality are largely based in inherited biological differences" (Burger, 2011, p. 248).

According to Hans Eysenck, "heritability is not a fixed number. Once you realize what's inherited, there's a lot you can do about it" (Burger, 2011, p. 227).

My looks resemble my mother. However, my personality is just like my father's. What can I do to change the things I dislike about my personality? Can I do anything about it? Let me consult Eysenck...

Which Personality Traits Define You?

"Can personality psychologists predict behavior? Yes, of course we can- sometimes." (Walter Mischel)

Many researchers believe that our behavior can be predicted according to our personality traits.

The Big Five model focuses on five major personality traits, defined by the acronym OCEAN (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism). According to the Big Five model, I tend to lean towards conscientiousness, extroversion and neuroticism.

How do these personality traits affect my life? Do they affect my performance at work? Should I worry about it?

Do dreams have significance?

Freud called dreams the "royal road to the unconscious" (Burger, 2011, p. 53). According to Freud our dreams represent expression of our unconscious desires. Freud explained that dreams are composed of the manifest content, which is what the dreamer sees and remembers, and the latent content, which is what is really being said.
Therefore, when I dreamed I was flying with easy and enjoyment, it represented a new sense of freedom, suggesting that I was on top of a situation (http://www.dreammoods.com/dictionary/).