The Psychology of B F Skinner

The authors provide a concise overview of the basic principles and methods used by modern behavior analysts as well as a thorough discussion of the difference between reward and reinforcement and elicited and emitted behavior.―THE PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORDO′Donohue and Ferguson provide an exceptionally clear picture of the breadth scientific importance and value to society of the work of the late B.F. Skinner. They include reasons that his work has been criticized and misunderstood. A substantial index an attractive cover and typeface and a readable style are bonuses to this exceptionally well-researched accurate and fair description of Skinner′s work. All collections.― CHOICEIn The Psychology of B. F. Skinner William T. O′Donohue and Kyle E. Ferguson not only introduce the life of one of the most influential psychologist of the past century but also put that life into historical and philosophical context. In so doing they illuminate Skinner′s contributions to psychology his philosophy of science his experimental research program and the behavioral principles and applied aspects that emerged from it. They also rebut criticism of Skinner′s work including radical behaviorism and discuss key developments others have derived from it.Behaviorists or more precisely Skinnerians commonly consider Skinner′s work to have been misrepresented misunderstood and to some extent even defamed. The authors take great care in accurately representing both the strengths and the weaknesses of his positions. They also attempt to correct misinterpretations of his work. Finally they guide students through Skinner′s theories and demonstrate their applications and usefulness via extensive examples and illustrations.