None of the conditions which we have examined permits the sharpening of reference which is achieved, in the case of public stimuli, by a precise contingency of reinforcement . . . It is, therefore, impossible to establish a rigorous scientific vocabulary for public use, nor can the speaker clearly “know himself” in the sense in which knowing is identified with behaving discriminatively. (p. 422)
Cumulative Record. Chapter 28: The Operational Analysis of Psychological Terms. Quote 35
- Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
- Post published:December 5, 2023
- Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day