The Psychology of B F Skinner

by William O'Donohue

• ISBN13: 9780761917595
• ISBN10: 0761917594
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-03-15
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc

Summary

"O?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." ? CHOICE In 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.

Author Biography

William T. O'Donohue is Nicholas Cummings Professor of Organized Behavioral Health Care at the University of Nevada, Reno Kyle E. Ferguson is a graduate student in psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno

Table of Contents

Introduction

B F Skinner

The Man

Skinner's Intellectual Influences

Skinner's Philosophy of a Science of Human Behaviour

Radical Behaviorism

Operant Conditioning and the Experimental Analysis of Behaviour

Skinner on Cognition

Skinner on Language

Applied Behavior Analysis

B F Skinner

Expert Self-Manager

Skinner's Views on Bettering Society

Criticisms of Skinner

Skinner's Legacy

B F Skinner's Published Works