The paper discusses the iterative nature of problem solving; operant analysis of the response repertoire available in a problem situation; the likelihood of reaching a solution versus escaping from the situation; and the relationship between exiting with solution and exiting without solution, modeled on catastrophe theory. (JDD)

The purpose of the current article is to highlight the importance of operant techniques in developmental research. Although many researchers employ operant techniques within their individual fields of study, the pervasive nature of these techniques is not often acknowledged in the general literature. The present article describes the history of…

Memories can have different strengths, largely dependent on the intensity of reinforcers encountered. The relationship between reinforcement and memory strength is evident in asymptotic memory curves, with the level of the asymptote related to the intensity of the reinforcer. Although this is likely a fundamental property of memory formation,…

Using 130 rural, culturally deprived slow learning children, group operant and individual operant techniques were compared in classrooms of normal size. (Editor)

The behavioral processes through which people react appropriately to verbal descriptions remain poorly understood. I argue here that these processes are Pavlovian. Common objections to a Pavlovian account of symbolic behavior evidence a lack of familiarity with the relevant data or misunderstandings of operant theory. Although much remains to be…

Research supported in part by National Institute of Mental Health Grant PN-8086, and presented in part at the 1967 American Psychological Association Convention.

The study, involving two severely retarded adolescents, investigated whether matching to sample is capable of extending equivalence classes with spelling responses. In preliminary training, Ss were taught the matching to sample procedure by having them match color patch samples to identical color patch comparisons. The experimenters then trained…

The study was designed to make a 6 year old autistic child's learning sessions more productive by reducing three self stimulatory rituals. Treatment involved structured academic sessions involving the S and one other child in basic motor and vocal imitation training which was done according to Discrete Trial Format followed by structured play. In…

The focus of this paper is the application of laboratory-derived principles to a more real-life situation. Specifically, a learning model is presented with the intent that principles and procedures derived from it be directly applicable to learning in the college classroom. The model presented is derived from 2 orientation to the phenomena of…

Four experiments are discussed, in which parents devised and conducted procedures to alleviate their children's behavior problems. The behavior difficulties treated included infrequent use of an orthodontic device, the low-level performance of household tasks, whining and shouting, and a long duration of dressing time. The techniques used to…

The life and work of B.F. Skinner is reviewed. His interest in education is explored as well as his work and influence in such areas as: the development of the Air-Crib, the Write and See, writing program, Project Pigeon, aging and behavior modification. (Author/CL)