Reflections on Behaviorism and Society. Chapter 7: Can We Profit from Our Discovery of Behavioral Science? Quote 10

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:November 11, 2019
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“Confidence is only one of hundreds of terms referring to feelings or states of mind which come to us naturally and conveniently in daily discussions of human behavior but which by their very nature are inimical to a scientific approach.” (p. 89)

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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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“Confidence is only one of hundreds of terms referring to feelings or states of mind which come to us naturally and conveniently in daily discussions of human behavior but which by their very nature are inimical to a scientific approach.” (p. 89)

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