Do you feel uneasy if you break a mirror, half-expecting to have seven years of bad luck? Do you avoid walking under ladders? Do you always take your ‘lucky pen’ with you when you write a test or...

Do you feel uneasy if you break a mirror, half-expecting to have seven years of bad luck? Do you avoid walking under ladders? Do you always take your ‘lucky pen’ with you when you write a test or examination? Can you think of an instance of superstitious behaviour in everyday life (for example, your own behaviour, or someone you know)? Can you identify the reinforcer that seems related to the behaviour? Can you tell whether it is contingent or non-contingent? Is it possible that performing the superstitious behaviour makes you feel better and more confident, and that this is what actually contributes to a positive outcome? Does that seem to support or contradict Skinner’s interpretation of superstitious behaviour?