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Updated: May 10, 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

Constructs and events in verbal behavior.

Mitch J Fryling¹

¹California State University, Los Angeles.

The Analysis of Verbal Behavior

|July 2, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This paper examines controversies surrounding Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior. It argues that precise definitions are essential for scientific progress and functional analysis in behaviorism.

Keywords:

B. F. Skinner interbehaviorism relational frame theory verbal behavior

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Area of Science:

Behavioral Psychology
Philosophy of Science

Background:

Skinner's (1957) analysis of verbal behavior faces internal and external critiques.
Recent debates involve relational frame theory and the "essentialist error" regarding definitions.
The role of constructs in scientific understanding is a recurring theme.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of the controversies surrounding Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior.
To discuss the significance of definitions within scientific progress and functional analysis.
To argue that definitions are a prerequisite for scientific inquiry in behavior analysis.

Main Methods:

Literature review of critiques and defenses of Skinner's verbal behavior analysis.
Conceptual analysis of definitions and their role in scientific constructs.
Examination of arguments concerning essentialism and functional analysis.

Main Results:

Criticisms of Skinner's verbal behavior analysis originate both externally and internally within behavior analysis.
The debate over definitions is linked to the concept of essentialism.
Definitions are crucial for scientific progress and functional analysis.

Conclusions:

Definitions are not merely descriptive but foundational to scientific understanding.
A clear understanding of definitions is a necessary precursor to conducting functional analyses.
The paper advocates for the central role of definitions in advancing behavior analysis and scientific progress.