Reflections on Behaviorism and Society. Chapter 16: Walden (One) and Walden Two. Quote 3

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:January 22, 2020
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“The feeling of freedom is associated with doing the things a person wants to do. But why does he want to do them?” (p. 192)

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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 feeling of freedom is associated with doing the things a person wants to do. But why does he want to do them?” (p. 192)

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