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Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE
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Defining terms in behavior analysis: Reinforcer and discriminative stimulus.
The Analysis of Verbal Behavior
|April 6, 2012
Summary
Behavioral definitions of reinforcer and discriminative stimulus lack consistent temporal proximity requirements. A survey revealed experts disagree on these definitions, especially for verbal human behavior.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Animal Behavior
- Human Behavior
Background:
- Standard definitions of reinforcer and discriminative stimulus often require temporal proximity.
- This temporal proximity requirement is not universally applied in behavioral literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate expert consensus on temporal parameters in definitions of reinforcer and discriminative stimulus.
- To highlight the need for clearer definitions in behavioral science.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to editorial board members of behavioral journals.
- Survey data was analyzed to assess agreement on temporal definitions.
Main Results:
- Evidence indicates a lack of universal agreement among experts regarding temporal parameters.
- Disagreement is particularly pronounced when applying these terms to verbal human behavior.
Conclusions:
- The ambiguity in definitions of reinforcer and discriminative stimulus requires attention and resolution.
- Behavior analysts should exercise caution when generalizing findings from nonhuman to human behavior due to complex verbal repertoires.
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