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Aversive control: A separate domain?
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|November 1, 1984
Summary
Aversive control, often separated in behavior theory, is re-examined. This study proposes a unified interpretation of negative reinforcement, impacting all behavior-analytic theory.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Aversive control is traditionally viewed as distinct from other behavior theory domains.
- Separation is based on reinforcement/punishment or positive/negative reinforcement distinctions.
- Negative reinforcement offers a more compelling basis for procedural asymmetries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an interpretation of negative reinforcement.
- To suggest experiments supporting this interpretation and future research directions.
- To explore implications for broader behavior-analytic theory.
Main Methods:
- Review and reinterpretation of existing behavior theory concepts.
- Proposal of a unified framework for understanding aversive control.
- Identification of experimental paradigms to test the proposed interpretation.
Main Results:
- Negative reinforcement provides a strong basis for understanding aversive control due to procedural asymmetries.
- Interpretive issues in negative reinforcement are relevant to positively reinforced behavior.
- Understanding aversive control has broad implications for behavior-analytic theory.
Conclusions:
- A unified approach to aversive control, particularly negative reinforcement, is necessary.
- This unified approach impacts operant/respondent distinctions and the role of emotional concepts.
- Further research is needed to explore the implications for all domains of behavior analysis.
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