Contingencies of Reinforcement. Chapter 4: The experimental analysis of behavior. Quote 14

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:April 18, 2018
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“[Bixenstine] suggests that the optimism [in all behavior science] springs from release from the anxiety of theory construction. There is a more obvious explanation: the analysis works.” (p. 86)

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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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“[Bixenstine] suggests that the optimism [in all behavior science] springs from release from the anxiety of theory construction. There is a more obvious explanation: the analysis works.” (p. 86)

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