Contingencies of Reinforcement. Chapter 1: The Role of the Environment. Quote 16

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:January 31, 2018
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“The principles of hedonism, utilitarianism, and adaptation were not wrong, they were simply not precise.” (p. 10)

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SKINNER'S QUOTE OF THE DAY

Verbal Behavior: Extended Edition. Chapter 4: Verbal Behavior under the Control of Verbal Stimuli. Quote 16
Echoic responses are useful and reinforced when they serve as fill-ins. In answer to the question What will happen to the international situation during the next few weeks? the student may begin During the next few weeks, the international situation…, which may be purely echoic but, especially if the situation demands speed, self-reinforcing if it provides a breathing space for the composition of the rest of the sentence. (p. 57)
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“The principles of hedonism, utilitarianism, and adaptation were not wrong, they were simply not precise.” (p. 10)

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