Behaviorism and psychoanalytic theory, prevalent early in this century, declined at midcentury. Theorists subsequently developed domain-specific theories of socialization, which were influenced by, or resulted in, changing conceptions of children's identification with their parents, changing definitions of optimal parenting, and an understanding…

Reports research results concerning beliefs about B. F. Skinner's psychological theories. Examines beliefs in the myths that Skinner: (1) discounted physiological and genetic roles in behavior; (2) believed that any behavior could be conditioned; (3) discounted individual uniqueness; (4) viewed punishment as the preferred form of behavior control;…

A close friend and colleague of Burrhus Frederic Skinner comments on obituaries of Skinner published in major newspapers and expresses his gratefulness for Skinner's contributions to the field of behavioral psychology, including his writing of "The Behavior of Organisms" and development of teaching machines and programed instruction.…

The daughter of Burrhus Frederic Skinner writes of her father's activities during the last few days of his life--his speech upon receipt of an award from the American Psychological Association, his work on research papers and books, interviews, and his final admission to the hospital where he died. (JDD)

Analysis of 347 articles published in the "Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis" over 19 years found that the volume of behavior-analytic papers on educational topics has declined. Concern with classroom conduct diminished but is still heavily emphasized. Reports of social skills and language studies accelerated, but analyses of academic…

Explains the chaos theory and its effect on education, relating it to quantum physics. The article suggests implications for education (predictions about student achievement are limited, the brain learns in nonlinear ways, and the knowledge base in teacher education needs modification to account for recent discoveries in science and mathematics).…

Argues against the use of rewards for students. Discusses their origin in Skinner's behaviorism and their application in behavior modification in the classroom. Describes the problems with using rewards, as noted by Alfie Kohn and others, including the erosion of intrinsic motivation and the distortion of the focus of learning. Presents…

The conclusion of J. Cameron and W. D. Pierce that rewards do not pose a threat to intrinsic motivation (1994) is a misrepresentation of the literature based on a flawed meta-analysis. Their analysis is more an attempt to defend behaviorist turf rather than meaningful consideration of relevant data and issues. (Author/SLD)

Reviews conceptual, methodological, and paradigmatic issues related to the acceptability of school-based practices from a behavioral orientation. Provides an overview of the acceptability construct from this perspective. Examines methodology typically used when examining consumers' acceptability of school-based practices. Discusses importance of…

Presents a historical framework of classroom assessment, highlighting the key tenets of social efficiency curricula, behaviorist learning theories, and scientific measurement. Offers a contrasting social-constructivist conceptual framework that blends key ideas from cognitive, constructivist, and sociocultural theories. Elaborates on ways that…

This article describes common programmatic and methodological elements that form the foundation of applied behavior analysis (ABA). A summary of the scope of the behavioral research is provided, including details of six studies that demonstrated large-scale interventions. Components of programs that share common elements of the ABA approach are…

Spanish researchers compared the types of metaphors for teaching and learning generated by experienced and preservice teachers. Analysis of the metaphors indicated that few teachers conceived of teaching and learning as a social process. Behaviorist metaphors predominated among experienced teachers, while preservice teachers had a high number of…

In rural studies the "behavioural approach", i.e. an actor-oriented, largely questionnaire-based methodology that focuses ''on the motives, values and attitudes that determine the decision-making processes of individual farmers'' (J. Rural Stud 11 (1995) 51, p. 55), has become increasingly important in the investigation of farmer response to…

Designed to develop a conceptual perspective, this paper focuses on three tensions: between cognitive and behavioral views of learning and thinking; between factory-model and information-age models of schooling; and between externally-mandated testing and internally-guided assessment. The paper first provides a brief sketch of developments in the…

The content and approach of study skills courses are critiqued and alternatives are suggested. It is proposed that an approach providing students with knowledge about the cognitive processes involved in mastering complex material would make the study skills teacher an agent of social change aiming for the enlightenment and emancipation of students…