Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Behavior Modification

Behavior Modification

Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...

Behaviorism

Behaviorism

The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...

The Behavioral Perspective on Personality

The Behavioral Perspective on Personality

Behaviorists view personality as primarily shaped by environmental reinforcements and consequences. According to this perspective, behavior is influenced by external stimuli, and individuals adjust their actions based on rewards and punishments. Over time, learning histories — accumulated patterns of reinforcement — play a significant role in shaping personality. Behaviors that lead to positive outcomes are reinforced, while those resulting in negative outcomes are diminished. Radical...

Law of Effect

Law of Effect

B.F. Skinner, a prominent figure in behavioral psychology, introduced operant conditioning by emphasizing the role of consequences in shaping behavior. This theory builds upon the law of effect proposed by Edward Thorndike, which posits that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated. In contrast, those followed by unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to recur.
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...

Impact of Individuals on Individuals

Impact of Individuals on Individuals

Human behavior is intricately shaped by social influences that arise from interactions with others in diverse contexts. These influences not only mold beliefs and attitudes but also drive the regulation of behaviors through both direct communication and observational learning. The study of these processes falls within the domain of social psychology, which seeks to understand how individuals are affected by and affect those around them.Mechanisms of Social InfluenceDirect social influence...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Visualization of in-situ chemical flow through sand using neutron radiography.

Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine·2025

Same author

Life after incarceration: The impact of stability on formerly imprisoned Oxford House residents.

Journal of prevention & intervention in the community·2021

Same author

Visualizing the dynamics of soil aggregation as affected by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

The ISME journal·2019

Same author

The prevalence of community programmes and policies to prevent childhood obesity in a diverse sample of US communities: the Healthy Communities Study.

Pediatric obesity·2018

Same author

Objectives of community policies and programs associated with more healthful dietary intakes among children: findings from the Healthy Communities Study.

Pediatric obesity·2018

Same author

Association between community characteristics and implementation of community programmes and policies addressing childhood obesity: the Healthy Communities Study.

Pediatric obesity·2018

Same journal

An Internal and Critical Review of the PEAK Relational Training System for Children with Autism and Related Intellectual Disabilities: 2014-2017.

The Behavior analyst·2020

Same journal

Self-Control Based on Soft Commitment.

The Behavior analyst·2020

Same journal

Behavioral Pragmatism: Making A Place for Reality and Truth.

The Behavior analyst·2020

Same journal

The Challenges of Integrating Behavioral and Neural Data: Bridging and Breaking Boundaries Across Levels of Analysis.

The Behavior analyst·2020

Same journal

Automating Scoring of Delay Discounting for the 21- and 27-Item Monetary Choice Questionnaires.

The Behavior analyst·2020

Same journal

The Future of Behavior Analysis: Foxes and Hedgehogs Revisited.

The Behavior analyst·2020

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE

Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE

Published on: May 14, 2019

Behavior analysis and public policy.

S B Fawcett, G S Bernstein, M J Czyzewski

The Behavior Analyst

|April 6, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Behavior analysts can become better citizen scientists in policy by understanding policymaking processes and their roles in analysis, research, and communication. Professional associations can support this engagement for public interest advocacy.

More Related Videos

A System for Tracking the Dynamics of Social Preference Behavior in Small Rodents

A System for Tracking the Dynamics of Social Preference Behavior in Small Rodents

Published on: November 21, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 23, 2026

Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE

Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE

Published on: May 14, 2019

A System for Tracking the Dynamics of Social Preference Behavior in Small Rodents

A System for Tracking the Dynamics of Social Preference Behavior in Small Rodents

Published on: November 21, 2019

Area of Science:

Behavioral science
Public policy analysis
Citizen science

Background:

The Task Force on Public Policy was established to enhance the role of behavior analysts in public policymaking.
Behavior analysts possess skills applicable to policy development and evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine how behavior analysts can function as effective citizen scientists within the policymaking arena.
To outline the contexts and processes of policymaking relevant to behavior analysts.
To identify key issues concerning the involvement of behavior analysts in policy-relevant activities.

Main Methods:

Review of policymaking contexts and processes.
Analysis of the roles of behavior analysts in conceptual analysis, data generation, and information communication.
Discussion of the potential role of professional associations.

Main Results:

Behavior analysts can contribute through policy-relevant conceptual analyses.
Generating and communicating research data are crucial functions for behavior analysts in policy.
Professional associations can play a vital role in supporting analysis, research, and advocacy.

Conclusions:

Behavior analysts can significantly contribute to public policy by engaging as citizen scientists.
Understanding policy arenas and leveraging analytical skills are key for effective participation.
Enhanced roles for professional associations can amplify the impact of behavior analysis on public interest policies.