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Perceptual and Category Processing of the Uncanny Valley Hypothesis' Dimension of Human Likeness: Some Methodological Issues
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Conceptual approaches and issues
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|November 1, 1984
Summary
The experimental analysis of behavior needs to embrace complex cognitive processes like remembering. Overcoming historical limitations is crucial for behaviorism
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Cognitive psychology
Background:
- Experimental analysis of behavior lags behind cognitive psychology in studying complex behaviors.
- Complex behaviors like remembering, thinking, and problem-solving are vital for behaviorism's relevance.
- Historical aspects of behaviorism may have discouraged the study of such complex behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how radical behaviorism, its methodology, and B. F. Skinner's contributions may have discouraged the experimental analysis of complex behaviors, particularly remembering.
- To highlight the need for behaviorism to advance into cognitive psychology's domains.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis of radical behaviorism, experimental analysis of behavior, and B. F. Skinner's work.
- Focus on remembering as a complex performance to illustrate broader issues.
Main Results:
- Certain aspects of radical behaviorism, the methodology of experimental analysis of behavior, and Skinner's contributions are identified as potential barriers to studying complex behaviors.
- Encouraging signs of progress exist, indicating a potential shift towards cognitive domains.
Conclusions:
- The experimental analysis of behavior must aggressively pursue the study of complex cognitive functions to maintain its scientific standing.
- Effective training of students in advanced behavioral analysis is essential for future success in this area.
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