Humans discount larger delayed rewards less steeply than smaller rewards, whereas no such magnitude effect has been observed in rats (and pigeons). It remains possible that rats' discounting is sensitive to differences in the quality of the delayed reinforcer even though it is not sensitive to amount. To evaluate this possibility, Experiment 1…

The present research used pigeons in a three-key operant chamber and varied procedural features pertaining to both initial and terminal links of concurrent chains. The initial links randomly alternated on the side keys during a session, while the terminal links always appeared on the center key. Both equal and unequal initial-link schedules were…

"JEAB"'s first decade featured control of individual behavior by operant contingencies, where the experimenter could interact with a subject in real time and obtain fairly immediate evidence of control, with the possibility of direct extension to applied settings. In subsequent decades, emphasis shifted toward long-term parametric studies with…

Using 130 rural, culturally deprived slow learning children, group operant and individual operant techniques were compared in classrooms of normal size. (Editor)

Reviews the use of memory measures in the literature. Suggests problems with assumptions underlying Bogartz's proposed new measure. Responds to specific criticisms by claiming that Bogartz is critical of two measures that are not even used, unfamiliar with traditional conditioning theory, wrong in an assertion about traditional measures, and…

Responds to the general criticisms of Rovee-Collier, explaining a proposed new measure of infant memory in terms of four fundamental ideas earlier enumerated by Rovee-Collier and Shyi. Seeks to refute three of four specific criticisms made by Rovee-Collier, and admits a mistake related to the fourth criticism. (BC)

This paper reports an experiment carried out by a sixth-grade science class by a pupil as part of the requirements of the laboratory section of the class. (Author)

Aims to clarify the distinction between elicitation and reinforcement discussed in Bloom (1984); to make explicit theoretical and methodological assumptions about the experimental analysis of infant behavior as shown in components of Poulson (1983); and to clarify differences in interpretation of other infant vocal conditioning research.…

Reviews three response rate measures (in a baseline measurement, immediately after acquisition, and at a long-term retention test) of infant memory that are used in experiments involving infants' conditioned kicking. Compares these measures to a new measure, the fraction of kicking rate remaining after the retention interval. Explains the…

William H. Morse has played a major role in the experimental analysis of behavior. His view of operant behavior as the outcome of differential reinforcement provides an invaluable lesson in scientific research and theory. He studied schedules of reinforcement to generate an in-depth analysis of the complex interactions existing when contingencies…

The philosophies underlying the learning and structural theories used in psychology are described in this article. It is argued that a dialectical view provides some ways to breach the chasm between learning theory and the study of human development. (Author/DB)

Describing the state of the science of ABA, this comprehensive handbook provides detailed information about theory, research, and intervention. The contributors are leading ABA authorities who present current best practices in behavioral assessment and demonstrate evidence-based strategies for supporting positive behaviors and reducing problem…

Attempts to relate treatment and methodology for behavior modification by tracing progressive developments through the case study, and beginning comparative and followup stages of treatment, and points out how these developments necessitated changes in the types of measuring instruments employed, including concern for both design and data…

Argues that a better understanding of developmental processes is provided by three types of operant research -- laboratory behavioral descriptions, descriptions of naturalistic behavior-environment interdependencies, and predictive naturalistic studies. The usefulness of these processes are examined in light of the goals of life span developmental…