Reflections on Behaviorism and Society. Chapter 3: The Ethics of Helping People. Quote 8

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:July 30, 2019
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“[Industrial workers] differ from slaves only in the nature of the “punishment” they receive for not working. They are subject to negative reinforcement, a condition obscured by the uncritical use of the term reward.” (p. 39)

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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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“[Industrial workers] differ from slaves only in the nature of the “punishment” they receive for not working. They are subject to negative reinforcement, a condition obscured by the uncritical use of the term reward.” (p. 39)

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