Reflections on Behaviorism and Society. Chapter 2: Are We Free to Have a Future? Quote 16

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:July 10, 2019
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“It is easy to show that a reinforcer which follows a response but has no other relation to it is effective; what we call superstition is an example.” (p. 20)

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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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“It is easy to show that a reinforcer which follows a response but has no other relation to it is effective; what we call superstition is an example.” (p. 20)

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