Concept:SR theories, especially Skinner's operant conditioning, explain behavior as responses to stimuli that are strengthened by reinforcement. They do not view humans as mere machines.
Explanation:In SR theory, behavior is overt and can be objectively measured – so statement B is correct.
Learning proceeds from simple to complex behaviors through shaping – thus statement C is correct.
Statement A, "Man behaves like a machine", is not correct. In SR theory, a stimulus triggers a response, but the response is then followed by reinforcement or punishment. Reinforcement increases the likelihood of the behavior recurring, while punishment decreases it. This shows that human behavior is influenced by consequences, not by fixed mechanical reactions. Unlike a machine that follows a preset program, humans learn and adapt based on the outcomes of their actions. Therefore, man does not behave like a machine; he responds to reinforcement and modifies his behavior accordingly.
Statement D about figure-ground perception is not part of SR theory, but the clearly incorrect statement regarding SR theories is A.
Answer:A. Man behaves like a machine.