We distinguish between an instance of a response and a class of responses … when we are concerned with the prediction of future behavior it may be either impossible to predict the great detail of the single instance or, more likely, unimportant to do so. All we want to know is whether or not a response of a given class will occur. By “of a given class” we mean a response showing certain selected properties. We may want to know whether a man will open a door although we do not care how he turns the knob. (p. 16)
Verbal Behavior: Extended Edition. Chapter 2: General Problems. Quote 8
- Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
- Post published:October 31, 2024
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