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Under Skinner's skin: gauging a behaviorist from his Rorschach protocol.
Cato Grønnerød1, Geir Overskeid, Ellen Hartmann
1Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway. cato.gronnerod@psykomatikk.no
Journal of Personality Assessment
|June 27, 2012
Summary
Behaviorism and psychodynamic psychology are often seen as opposites. However, B.F. Skinner showed interest in Freudian concepts and underwent psychological testing, revealing traits of simplicity and strained relationships, not creativity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behaviorism
- Psychodynamic Psychology
Background:
- Behaviorism and psychodynamic psychology are historically viewed as opposing theoretical frameworks.
- B. F. Skinner, a prominent behaviorist, engaged with Freudian concepts and participated in psychological assessments.
- Anne Roe's 1953 study of scientists included Skinner's responses to the Rorschach and Thematic Apperception Tests.
Discussion:
- Skinner's test responses were analyzed for creativity, defined by complexity, emotional tone, novelty, and liveliness.
- His responses were characterized by simplicity, intellectualization, a driven quality, and a lack of liveliness.
- These findings align with Roe's observations of other scientists in her study.
- Skinner's intellectual productivity and ambition are consistent with his historical persona.
Key Insights:
- B. F. Skinner's psychological profile, assessed via projective tests, revealed traits divergent from typical creativity markers.
- The study challenges the notion of strict opposition between behaviorism and psychodynamic psychology by examining a key behaviorist figure through psychodynamic tools.
- Skinner's responses indicated a preference for intellectualized simplicity over emotional complexity and novelty.
Outlook:
- Further research could explore the psychological profiles of other influential figures across different scientific disciplines.
- Investigating the interplay between theoretical orientation and psychological characteristics in scientists may offer new insights.
- This analysis provides a unique lens into the personality of a foundational behaviorist, bridging psychological perspectives.
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