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Behavior Analysis and Learning
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Table of Contents
xi
On the applied side: Training generalized imitation 307
Focus on issues: Rules, observational learning, and self-efficacy 312
Rule-governed behavior 313
Focus on research: Instructions and contingencies 317
Key words 320
On the web 320
Study questions 321
Brief quiz 322
Chapter12 Verbal Behavior 324
In this chapter 324
Language and verbal behavior 324
Verbal behavior some basic distinctions 325
Operant functions of verbal behavior 327
Advanced issue: A formal analysis of manding and tacting
328
Research on verbal behavior 331
Additional verbal relations: Intraverbals, echoics, and textuals 335
Analysis of complex behavior in the laboratory 337
Focus on: Research reports of private events by pigeons 343
Symbolic behavior and stimulus equivalence 352
On the applied side: Three-term contingencies and natural speech 352
Key words 354
On the web 354
Study questions 354
Brief quiz 356
Chapter13 Applied Behavior Analysis 358
In this chapter 358
Characteristics of applied behavior analysis 358
Research in applied behavior analysis 364
Focus on education: Personalized system of instruction
and precision teaching 369
Applications of behavior principles 374
The causes and prevention of behavior problems 380
On the applied side—MammaCare—detection and
prevention of breast cancer 384
Key words 387
On the web 387
Study questions 387
Brief quiz 389
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Table of Contents
Chapter14 Three Levels of Selection: Biology, Behavior, and Culture 391
In this chapter 391
Level 1: Evolution and natural selection 393
Focus on research: Genetic control of a fixed-action pattern 398
Level 2: Selection by reinforcement 403
Level 3: The selection and evolution of a culture 409
On the applied side: Design of a culture 413
Key words 415
On the web 415
Study questions 415
Brief quiz 417
Glossary
419
References
449
Author Index
485
Subject Index
495
Foreword
Thisbookupdatesandexpandsanexcellenttextbookonprinciplesoflearnedbehaviors,the
first two editions of which were authored by David Pierce and Frank Epling. Sadly, Frank
died before this third edition, and Carl Cheney now joins David in describing develop-
ments in contemporary behavioral theory and research. Both active researchers, Pierce and
Cheney are adherents of a coherent theory pioneered by B. F. Skinner and known as exper-
imental analysis of behavior. According to this view, to explain human behavior, we must
understand the interactions between an individual and his or her environment. Behavior
is lawful, and the laws involve relationships between responses, on the one hand, and envi-
ronmental events on the other. Consequences of our actions help to determine our future
actions. The power of this framework extends from simple conditioning preparations to imi-
tation, language, psychopathology, and culture. This power is demonstrated throughout the
text.
Covered are basic principles of Pavlovian and operant conditioning, weakening and
extinction of learned responses, influences of intermittent reinforcement, conditioned re-
inforcement, biological influences, aversive consequences, stimulus control, and choice and
preference. Much of the basic behavioral research has been done with nonhuman animal
subjects, and there are important reasons for this. Environments can be controlled, as can
the experiences of animal subjects. Studying the behavior of animals in isolated experimen-
tal environments provides us with a framework of information with which we can interpret
more complex human behaviors.
Pierce and Cheney go well beyond the basics, however, and this third edition adds con-
siderable new coverage. Experimental analyses are applied to imitation, verbal behavior,
rule-governed behaviors, education, problem behaviors, and cultures. The breadth of this
text is impressive, and the reader will gain a deep understanding and, I predict, an appre-
ciation, of this field of study. A variety of adjuncts are provided to help the student master
the subject matter. Study questions and quizzes are provided at the end of each chapter.
Most helpful are pointers to Web sites containing simulations, instructional procedures,
experimental procedures, and actual studies. Students motivated to go beyond the text will
be assisted by these.
There are many reasons to study behavioral principles. Some readers will want to modify
aspects of their own behaviors, and research on self-control is relevant. Some will apply
behavioralprinciplestoraisingchildrenandtoeducatingthem.Otherswilluseprinciplesof
reinforcement when dealing with friends, family, or in business contexts. Some will want to
becometherapists,andbasicfindingsthroughoutthetextarerelatedtopossibleapplications.
However, there may be no more important reason for learning about how environmental
events influence our behaviors than that our long-term survival is at risk—the survival of
our species and, indeed, life on earth.
In a paper written near the end of his career, B. F. Skinner asked why we are not acting to
save the world. As Skinner wrote, overpopulation, overconsumption, destruction of natural
resources, and destructiveness of weapons all threaten life on earth. To date, we have not
successfully dealt with such threats, and he suggests that only by applying basic principles
of behavioral influence will we succeed. These involve utilizing our knowledge to design
relationships between behavior and consequences that benefit humanity as a whole, both
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Foreword
present and future. This clear and motivating text by David Pierce and Carl Cheney will
provide the reader with the evidence, methods, and modes of thought that Skinner thought
necessary for us to survive and prosper. After studying this text, the reader will be able to
judge the adequacy and importance of Skinner’s claim.
—Allen Neuringer
Reed College
W. David Pierce and Carl D. Cheney - Personal Name
3rd Edition
0-8058-4489-9
NONE
Behavior Analysis and Learning
Psychology
English
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
2004
New Jersey
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