Reflections on Behaviorism and Society. Chapter 3: The Ethics of Helping People. Quote 14

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:August 7, 2019
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“In retrospect, much of this [behavior modification] often seems to be simply a matter of common sense, but people have had common sense for thousands of years, and it has not helped them solve the basic problem.” (p. 45)

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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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“In retrospect, much of this [behavior modification] often seems to be simply a matter of common sense, but people have had common sense for thousands of years, and it has not helped them solve the basic problem.” (p. 45)

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