International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy

Verbal Behavior of BF Skinner: a retrospective analysis

Volume 8 Num. 3 - October 2008 - Pages 323-334

Authors:

Emilio Ribes Iñesta

ribes@cencar.udg.mx

Abstract:

Verbal Behavior by B.F. Skinner, represents a systematic extrapolation of the conceptsand principles of operant conditioning to account for language as behavior. I examine thelogic and conceptual deficiencies of Skinner’s formulation, based upon the analysis of alimited number of problems: a) the definition of verbal behavior, b) the selection of the‘word’ as the dominant unit of analysis, c) the morphological nature of the taxonomy ofverbal behavior, d) the lack of systematicness of such classification, e) the establishmentof discriminated verbal operants, and f) the logical and functional distinction between themand, the tact, and the intraverbal. It is stressed the importance of theoretical and con-ceptual analyses for scientific progress.

Key words:

Verbal behavior, taxonomy, discriminated verbal operant, listener, mediatedreinforcement.

Full Article

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• [275-276] Presentation of the Series Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the book, Verbal Behavior, B.F. Skinner
• [277-285] Skinner’s Verbal Behavior In a New Century
• [279-285] An Orderly Arrangement of Well-Known Facts: Retrospective Review of B. F. Skinner’s Verbal Behavior
• [287-294] Skinner’s Verbal Behavior
• [295-307] On Skinner’s Definition of Verbal Behavior
• [309-322] Conditioning the Behavior of the Listener
• [335-350] A Behavior Analytic Interpretation of Theory of Mind
• [351-362] Language Is Complex
• [363-386] The Ontogenetic Selection of Verbal Capabilities: Contributions of Skinner’s Verbal Behavior Theory to a More Comprehensive Understanding of Language
• [387-399] Cognitive distortions and treatment success in pathological gambling
• [401-412] Learning strategies and academic achievement of university students
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• [431-440] Aggressiveness and coping in adolescence. An intercultural perspective.
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