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Analyzing the reinforcement process at the human level: can application and behavioristic interpretation replace

A Baron¹, M Perone, M Galizio

¹Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.

The Behavior Analyst

|April 6, 2012

Summary

Human operant conditioning experiments are vital for understanding reinforcement. Proper application of experimental analysis of behavior methods ensures their value, despite historical variables.

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Behavioral Science

Background:

Critics question human operant conditioning experiments due to complex subject histories.
Contradictory human and animal results are often attributed to social and verbal factors.
Conventional operant procedures with humans are sometimes deemed inadequate for reinforcement principle explication.

Purpose of the Study:

Defend the utility of conventional operant methods in human research.
Address criticisms regarding the value of human operant conditioning.
Highlight the importance of experimental analysis of behavior in studying reinforcement.

Main Methods:

Discuss the critical role of historical variables in reinforcement research.
Outline techniques for managing historical and extra-experimental influences (e.g., long-term observation, steady-state designs).
Address subject selection strategies to control for uncontrollable variables like age or gender.

Main Results:

Historical variables significantly impact reinforcement research across species.
Available techniques can detect, analyze, and counteract extraneous influences.
Applied behavior analysis and behavioristic interpretation have limitations compared to experimental analysis.

Conclusions:

Human operant conditioning experiments are essential for analyzing reinforcement at the human level.
The value of these experiments hinges on the proper application of traditional experimental analysis of behavior methods.
Acknowledging and managing historical variables is crucial for valid experimental outcomes.