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Nonlinear Approaches to Behavior: Kantor, Kuo, Goldiamond, & Schiller |
Saturday, May 24, 2014 |
3:00 PM–4:50 PM |
W175b (McCormick Place Convention Center) |
Area: TPC/TBA; Domain: Theory |
Chair: Ryan Lee O'Donnell (Brohavior) |
Discussant: T. V. (Joe) Layng (Generategy, LLC) |
CE Instructor: Ryan Lee O'Donnell, M.S. |
Abstract: Behaviorism is often regarded as the philosophy of the science of behavior ( Skinner, 1974). Within behaviorism there are a wide range of viewpoints on the philosophical assumptions and how they relate to the subject matter of behavior analysis. This symposium will outline several various philosophical positions found across the schools of behaviorism. Many of the earlier positions on behaviorism presented the subject matter in a mechanistic or linear fashion. These approaches have plagued the conceptual understanding of the philosophy of the science of behavior since the early days of behavior analysis. However, there are several systems of behaviorism that do highlight the various factors involved with complex event interactions. The primary focus of these presentations will be on the dynamic systems of behaviorism that often have contextual flavors to them. The authors will pay particularly close attention on the work of Zing-Yang Kuo, Israel Goldiamond, Paul Schiller, and J. R. Kantor. |
Keyword(s): Golddiamond, Kantor, Kuo, Schiller |
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Sorting the Ashes of the Behaviorisms |
CAMERON GREEN (Florida State University, Brohavior) |
Abstract: Behaviorism is often regarded as the philosophy of the science of behavior ( Skinner, 1974). Within behaviorism there are a wide range of viewpoints on the philosophical assumptions and how they relate to the subject matter. The current presentation will outline several various philosophical positions found across the schools of behaviorism. Many of the earlier positions on behaviorism presented the subject matter in a mechanistic or liner fashion. These approaches have plagued the conceptual understanding of the philosophy of the science of behavior since the early days of behavior analysis. There are several systems of behaviorism that do highlight the various factors involved with complex event interactions. The primary focus of this presentation will be on the dynamic systems of behaviorism that often have contextual flavors to them. The stage will be set for a discussion to be followed by other presenters on various schools of behaviorism that often are neglected and forgotten. |
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Exploring a Couple Gems of Behaviorism |
MARK MALADY (Brohavior; HSI/WARC) |
Abstract: The philosophy of the science of behavior regarded as behaviorism is actually composed of several various systems of behavior analysis. Some of these systems such as radical behaviorism and methodological behaviorism are presented to students of behavior analysis however this is usually the extent to the introduction to behaviorism that most programs offer. As the previous presentation noted, behaviorism of the contextual Varity is of key importance to exploring interactions of the whole organism with their environment. J.R Kantor’s Interbehaviorism is one system that explores the complexity of multiple event interactions and views the subject matter in the context of their current environment. Paul Schiller created a system based off of his plethora of experimental work that ended up redefining the way that he and others viewed such topics as the respondent/operant distinction and how these constructs related to the organisms environment. A brief discussion will be held on how these two systems relate and how they differ. A teaching strategy and dissemination tool will be shared with the audience. Attendees will be empowered to explore the rich varieties of behaviorism in existence while being able to share this information with students and colleges. |
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Chows, Chicks and the Epigenetic Behaviorist: The Importance of Zing-Yang Kuo |
RYAN LEE O'DONNELL (Brohavior) |
Abstract: The main goal of an epigenetic behaviorist is to seek order out of complex behavioral phenomena in order to formulate laws of behavior without resorting to vitalism, either explicitly or implicitly (Kuo, 1967). In this talk I will highlight the contextualistic approach to behavior development from the work of a little known and undervalued behaviorist – Zing Yang Kuo. Kuo’s system includes five groups of determining factors: morphological factors, biophysical and biochemical factors, stimulating objects, developmental history, and developmental context. Each of these items will be discussed in relation to the two main tasks of an “epigenetic behaviorist,” which include: to obtain a comprehensive picture of the behavioral repertoire of the individual and its causal factors from stage to stage during development; and to explore the potentials and limitations of new behavior patterns (‘Behavioral neo-phenotypes’) that are not commonly observed or do not exist in ‘nature’ so as to predict or control the evolution of behavior in the future (Kuo, 1967). |
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The Whole Is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts: A Nonlinear Behavioral Approach from Israel Goldiamond |
SCOTT A. MILLER (University of Nebraska Medical Center) |
Abstract: The variables that control behavior are not an amalgamation of static stimulus conditions. Rather, behavior is “changing, fluid, and evanescent” (Skinner, 1953). This conceptualization is described by Israel Goldiamond whose pragmatic nonlinear approach to behavior recommends a multidimensional analysis. That is, one must acknowledge that the topography, function, history, and detection (measurement) of behavior may all yield varied accounts. An advantage to such a system is that it can bring the behavior of the scientist under multiple sources of control, engendering more effective technology. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight some of the key considerations presented by Israel Golddiamond, primarily from his comprehensive text entitled simply “The Blue Books.” |
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