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| Int'l Symposium - Associationism and Behavior Analysis |
| Saturday, May 28, 2005 |
| 4:00 PM–5:20 PM |
| Boulevard C (2nd floor) |
| Area: EAB; Domain: Theory |
| Chair: M. Jackson Marr (Georgia Institute of Technology) |
| Discussant: M. Jackson Marr (Georgia Institute of Technology) |
| Abstract: The relation between behavior analysis and associationism has been a difficult one. Our speakers will make contrasting statements on what this relation should be. John Donahoe will compare the normative views of associationist psychology with Skinner’s conception of the generic nature of stimuli and responses, and discuss recent biobehavioral evidence that is supportive of Skinner’s views. Steven Hayes, Claudia Cardinal and Thomas Waltz will argue that behavior analysis has progressed by emphasizing multiple levels of analysis and the operant as a fundamental historical and contextual unit. They will review the role of associationism as a barrier against such tenets, and comment on the high cost of linking behavioral psychology with associationism in the area of language, using some criticisms of relational frame theory as a case study. Francois Tonneau will emphasize the variety and importance of current research on Pavlovian processes, and argue that it is proving increasingly relevant to complex behavior. He will also analyze the multiple meanings of “associationism.” Our discussant, Jack Marr, will compare the speakers’ proposals and evaluate their possible implications for behavior analysis. |
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| The Persisting Merit of Skinner’s Generic Conception of the Stimulus and Response |
| JOHN W. DONAHOE (University of Massachusetts) |
| Abstract: The normative views of associationist psychology will be contrasted with Skinner’s conception of the generic nature of stimulus and response. Recent evidence concerning the neural substrate of this conception will also be discussed. |
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| Language and the Costs of Associating with Associationism |
| STEVEN C. HAYES (University of Nevada), Claudia Cardinal (University of Nevada, Reno), Thomas J. Waltz (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: Behavior analysis has progressed on the basis of its emphasis on multiple levels of analysis and the operant as a fundamental historical and contextual unit. Over much of the past century associationism has frequently been a barrier to understanding and accepting these tenets of behavior analysis. Nowhere has the costs to behavioral psychology of associating with associationism been greater than in the analysis of human language. We will use relational frame theory and associationistic criticisms of that approach as an example of these barriers and costs. |
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| Associations: Yes, But of Which Kind? |
| FRANCOIS TONNEAU (University of Guadalajara, Mexico) |
| Abstract: Recent research on Pavlovian processes is proving increasingly relevant to behavior analysis. Here I illustrate this relevance with respect to complex human behavior, discuss the various meanings of “associationism” in psychology, and argue that behavior analysts should pay more attention to non-operant processes and stimulus correlations. |
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