Reflections on Behaviorism and Society. Chapter 17: Freedom and Dignity Revisited. Quote 6

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:January 30, 2020
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“When we punish bad behavior, we can give the individual credit for behaving well, but if we arrange conditions under which he “desires” to behave well, the conditions must get the credit.” (p. 196)

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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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“When we punish bad behavior, we can give the individual credit for behaving well, but if we arrange conditions under which he “desires” to behave well, the conditions must get the credit.” (p. 196)

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