OPERANT CONDITIONING EXPERIENCED BY SETHE IN BELOVED BY TONI MORRISON USING B.F. SKINNER'S BEHAVIORISM THEORY

Ardhana, Nayla Lituhayu (2026) OPERANT CONDITIONING EXPERIENCED BY SETHE IN BELOVED BY TONI MORRISON USING B.F. SKINNER'S BEHAVIORISM THEORY. Diploma thesis, Universitas Nasional.

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Abstract

Toni Morrison’s Beloved presents trauma and memory as factors that
shape human behavior, revealing the deep psychological impact of
slavery. Guided by B.F. Skinner’s behavioral theory, Operant
Conditioning, this research focuses on Sethe as the main character
whose actions are formed through operant conditioning based on
punishment and reinforcement. The data for this research are taken
from Morrison’s Beloved and analyzed through a qualitative
descriptive method to reveal the ways Sethe’s experiences function as
stimuli that condition her responses and behavioral changes. This
research aims to analyze the operant conditioning experienced by
Sethe and to identify the impacts of operant conditioning on her life
throughout the novel. The findings show that Sethe experiences
various forms of operant conditioning, including positive
reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and
negative punishment. The findings also show that both reinforcement
and punishment have significant impacts on Sethe’s life. The novelty
of this research lies in its application of Skinner’s behavioral theory to
interpret Sethe’s traumatic experiences as a form of operant
conditioning, demonstrating that environmental control continues to
influence her identity. This research contributes to literary studies by
connecting psychological conditioning with Sethe’s character
development and positioning Beloved as a reflection of behaviorist
principles in a traumatic historical context.

Keywords: Operant Conditioning, Reinforcement and Punishment, Behavioral Analysis, Beloved

Item Type:	Thesis (Diploma)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) P Language and Literature > PL Languages and literatures of Eastern Asia, Africa, Oceania
Divisions:	Skripsi > Fakultas Sastra > Program Studi Sastra Inggris
Depositing User:	Irna Irna Yunita
Date Deposited:	22 Apr 2026 03:26
Last Modified:	22 Apr 2026 03:26
URI:	https://repository.unas.ac.id/id/eprint/15175

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