Developmentalists sometimes talk about “folk theories,” which are theories developed by ordinary people, who may not know that they are theorizing. Choose three sayings commonly used in your culture, such as (from the dominant U.S. culture) “A penny saved is a penny earned” or “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” Explain the underlying assumptions, or theory, that each saying reflects.
Behaviorism has been used to change personal habits. Think of a habit you’d like to change (e.g., stop smoking, exercise more, watch less TV). Count the frequency of that behavior for a week, noting the reinforcers for each instance. Then, and only then, develop a substitute behavior, reinforcing yourself for it. Keep careful data for several days. What did you learn?
Ask three people to tell you their theories about male–