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The Analysis of Verbal Behavior
|April 6, 2012
Summary
This study demonstrates the "Reno methodology" for interpreting verbal behavior. It analyzes human explanations of pigeon operant behavior, linking it to scientific reports and their underlying controlling relations.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Verbal Behavior Analysis
- Scientific Methodology
Background:
- The Reno methodology, developed at the University of Nevada, Reno, offers a framework for interpreting verbal behavior.
- This methodology was demonstrated at a symposium of the Association for Behavior Analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the application of the Reno methodology for interpreting scientific verbal behavior.
- To analyze the controlling relations underlying verbal reports derived from observing controlled behavior.
Main Methods:
- Observing human subjects' verbal behavior explaining pigeon operant chamber interactions.
- Using Leigland's report as a source of verbal behavior for interpretation.
- Applying the Reno methodology, developed by Willard Day and students, for analysis.
Main Results:
- The study illustrates how controlled environment-behavior interactions generate explanatory verbal behavior.
- It shows the process of identifying controlling relations that shape scientific verbal reports.
- Dougher's subsequent analysis uses Leigland's report as a case study for the Reno methodology.
Conclusions:
- The Reno methodology provides a systematic approach to understanding the origins of scientific verbal behavior.
- Interpreting verbal behavior through the Reno methodology can illuminate the relationship between observed phenomena and their scientific description.
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