Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE
Published on: May 14, 2019
Countercontrol, a key concept in behavioral analysis, describes how individuals resist controlling conditions. This research supports Skinner's formulation, advocating for its greater prominence in understanding human behavior.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Analysis
Background:
- Countercontrol is a functional behavior class within Skinner's social behavior analysis.
- It involves escaping or avoiding aversive social control, which may not reinforce controllers.
- Modern behavior analysis has unfortunately neglected this concept, despite its relevance to interpersonal dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-examine the conceptual status and contemporary relevance of countercontrol.
- To highlight the importance of countercontrol in understanding freedom and cultural design.
- To advocate for increased prominence of Skinner's countercontrol formulation in behavior analysis.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of Skinner's work on countercontrol.
- Review of contemporary developments in behavior analysis.
- Examination of applications and research related to countercontrol.
Main Results:
- Skinner's formulation of countercontrol is scientifically supported.
- Countercontrol is crucial for understanding that humans are not passive but actively controlling.
- The concept is applicable to interpersonal relations and cultural design.
Conclusions:
- Skinner's concept of countercontrol is scientifically valid and deserves greater attention.
- Reintegrating countercontrol enriches the understanding of social behavior and human agency.
- Further research and application of countercontrol principles are recommended.
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12:12Irrelevant Stimuli and Action Control: Analyzing the Influence of Ignored Stimuli via the Distractor-Response Binding Paradigm
Published on: May 14, 2014
11:09RBDT: A Computerized Task System based in Transposition for the Continuous Analysis of Relational Behavior Dynamics in Humans
Published on: July 17, 2021
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