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Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
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Observing ben wyckoff: from basic research to programmed instruction and social issues.

Rogelio Escobar1, Kennon A Lattal

  • 1West Virginia University.

The Behavior Analyst
|April 26, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

L. Benjamin Wyckoff pioneered the observing-response procedure and mathematical theory of secondary reinforcement. His work advanced programmed instruction and applied behavioral science for positive human behavior change.

Keywords:
Benjamin Wyckoffclient-centered therapyconditioned reinforcementdiversity issueshuman relationshipsobserving responsesprogrammed instructionteaching machines

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral psychology
  • Educational technology
  • History of psychology

Background:

  • L. Benjamin Wyckoff's career spanned academic research and practical application of behavioral principles.
  • He developed the observing-response procedure at Indiana University under B. F. Skinner.
  • Wyckoff refined mathematical theory of secondary reinforcement at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the seminal contributions of L. Benjamin Wyckoff to psychological theory and application.
  • To highlight his role in developing early computer models of learning.
  • To examine his impact on programmed instruction and educational technology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of Wyckoff's academic research and theoretical developments.
  • Analysis of his involvement in founding companies focused on teaching machines.
  • Examination of his contributions to educational technology and civil rights.

Main Results:

  • Development of the observing-response procedure.
  • Refinement of mathematical theory of secondary reinforcement.
  • Creation of an electronic simulation of a T maze, an early computer model of learning.
  • Founding of Teaching Machines, Inc. and the Human Development Institute.
  • Application of behavior-analytic principles to improve education and human relationships.

Conclusions:

  • Wyckoff significantly advanced psychological theory and its practical applications.
  • His work demonstrated a strong commitment to using behavioral science for positive societal impact.
  • He bridged basic research with the development of educational technology.