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| PCH Saturday Poster Session |
| Saturday, May 23, 2020 |
| 1:00 PM–3:00 PM |
| Virtual |
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| 45. An Important Chapter in the Story of Behaviorism |
| Area: PCH; Domain: Theory |
| JAY MOORE (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) |
| Discussant: Darlene E. Crone-Todd (Salem State University) |
| Abstract: Classical S => R behaviorism developed in the first quarter of the 20th century. However, by early in the second quarter of the 20th century, classical behaviorism was judged to be inadequate. Two particular problems were how to convincingly explain the flexibility of behavior and the organization of behavior across time. As the second quarter progressed, traditional researchers and theorists then postulated a different form of behaviorism to replace classical behaviorism. This different form was designated a neobehaviorism. According to neobehaviorism, organismic variables intervened between stimulus and response. These intervening, organismic variables were typically assumed to be mental in character, and to provide the basis for such matters as the flexibility and organization of behavior. Skinner’s radical behaviorism challenges the traditional approach to theories and explanations described above by arguing that it is merely a form of methodological behaviorism. At the heart of the radical behaviorist challenge is an operant, behavioral approach to behavior, including scientific verbal behavior, rather than a mentalistic approach that appeals to symbolic and referential processes. |
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| 46. Classifications of Lying: Conceptual Development for Experimental Research |
| Area: PCH; Domain: Theory |
| Jamiika Thomas (University of Nevada, Reno), Will Fleming (University of Nevada, Reno), Linda J. Parrott Hayes (University of Nevada, Reno), NATHANIAL R DUNKIN (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Discussant: Darlene E. Crone-Todd (Salem State University) |
| Abstract: Lying, as in deception, has recently received increased attention as a behavioral subject matter, particularly in relation to child development, gambling, and cultural practices. Most experimental analyses of lying seem to refer to it as a distorted tact (Skinner, 1957), but few explicitly offer an operational definition. When lying is defined, procedures are often insufficient to isolate lying and differentiate it from other classes of behavior. Furthermore, not all instances of lying are under control by the same variables; when lying is not defined, many various classes of events may be referenced. The purpose of this project is to both clarify general properties of lying and classify its variations to foster experimental research. Definitions of lying identified through historiographical analyses of behavior analytic literature are outlined and expanded (1) to sub-classify variations in lying and (2) to guide experimental procedures. Classifications specific to different scientific systems—behavior analysis, contextual behavior science, and interbehavioral psychology—are juxtaposed to highlight differences and similarities in procedures required to demonstrate experimental control of lying across systems. Avenues of experimental research are offered that are most inclusive to and compatible with interpretations across behavioral systems. |
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| 47. On the Use of “Unbreakable” Resolutions to Enhance Self-Control:
A Behavioral Analysis |
| Area: PCH; Domain: Theory |
| RUSSELL A. POWELL (MacEwan University), Rodney Schmaltz (MacEwan University), Jade Radke (MacEwan University) |
| Discussant: Darlene E. Crone-Todd (Salem State University) |
| Abstract: Although people often use personal resolutions when trying to change their behavior, this tactic is frequently ineffective. Skinner regarded resolutions as a type of mand, the efficacy of which depends on past experiences in which failure to do what was promised resulted in aversive social consequences and feelings of guilt. Thus, a common recommendation is to inform others about one’s resolutions to enhance their effectiveness. In this study, we examined two individuals, Mahatma Gandhi and Prince Pückler-Muskau, who seemed capable of using personal resolutions, even those that were private, to reliably accomplish difficult tasks. An examination of their writings suggest that they regarded these “unbreakable” resolutions as a tool that, if carefully maintained, could be employed to attain a variety of highly valued outcomes. Hence, in terms of Rachlin’s teleological approach to self-control, such resolutions could be construed as a type of commitment device, the efficacy of which is largely dependent on its association with temporally extended contingencies of reinforcement, or what Ainslie refers to as “choice bundling." Based especially on Gandhi’s writings, we also derived a set of guidelines for the effective use of unbreakable resolutions, which preliminary evidence suggests may be highly effective for some individuals. |
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| 48. An Evaluation of Trends of Adherence to the Seven Dimensions Within Research Published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,1968-2018 |
| Area: PCH; Domain: Theory |
| DANIELLE WATSON (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Julie A. Brandt (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology ), Lyret Carrasquillo (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Florida Institute Of Technology ), dimitrios V. makridis (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Kozue Matsuda (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Children Center Inc), Tanya Hough (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Jennifer Bellotti (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) |
| Discussant: Darlene E. Crone-Todd (Salem State University) |
| Abstract: Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) identified and described seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis (ABA): applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptual systems, effective, and generality. These dimensions are what separates applied behavior analysis from the experimental analysis of behavior, and provides practitioners with the information necessary to deliver effective and ethical treatments and services to their clients. Using specific definitions of the seven dimensions and a coding tool, we evaluated and assessed various elements of these seven dimensions across 47 volumes of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA), from 1968 to 2014. The data suggest that research articles generally satisfy the requirements for being behavioral, analytic, and conceptually systematic. In recent years, research in JABA has been gradually improving in the technological dimension. The data also suggest that the research articles in JABA could improve in the applied, effective, and generality dimensions. The trends in the use of the seven dimensions of ABA should be taken into consideration when planning future applied research and future directions in the field. Are the seven dimensions still current and relevant to applied research? If so, researchers would benefit from building their research methodologies with generalization, technology, and efficacy in mind. |
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