BA525 Unit 8
The Relationship Between Verbal Behavior, Behavioral Economics, Impulsivity and Psychological Flexibility
In 1957, B.F. Skinner wrote Verbal Behavior. In that groundbreaking text, Skinner used principles discovered through basic, laboratory science with non-human animals as a foundation for a comprehensive analysis of human language and cognition. Skinner’s work opened the doors to possibilities for behavior analytic study and understanding of complex processes such as thinking and decision making that underlie much of human behavior. In this discussion, you will explore some of those processes and their relationship to applied behavior analytic practice.
- First, define verbal behavior as described by Skinner (1957). Why did Skinner prefer the term “verbal behavior” to language’?
- Then, consider the ‘problem solving’ functions of behavior and explain how verbal behavior, behavioral economics, relational frame theory (RFT), and acceptance and commitment training (ACT) intersect to promote adaptive choice making and functioning in individuals.
- Next, consider your readings and how these applications are grounded in laboratory or basic research, along with the ‘stages of scientific activity’ outlined by Moore (2010). Choose one of the topics introduced this week (Verbal Behavior, Behavioral Economics, Impulsivity, or Psychological Flexibility) and create a title for a hypothetical laboratory or basic research proposal. Very briefly, in 2 or 3 lines, describe how this topic could be explored in a laboratory or basic research setting.
- Conclude by describing how discovery through the proposed basic research can be integrated into practice to enhance client outcomes.
- Be sure that you are using your course readings throughout to support your analysis.
Review two of your classmates' responses, using the following ideas as a guide:
Is Skinner's definition of verbal behavior clearly explained, and is the reasoning behind his preference for the term "verbal behavior" over "language" well-articulated?
- Does the analysis effectively demonstrate how verbal behavior, behavioral economics, RFT, and ACT intersect to promote adaptive choice-making and psychological flexibility?
- Are connections between these concepts clearly explained and grounded in the context of applied behavior analysis and basic research?
- Does the hypothetical research proposal demonstrate the characteristics of experimental analysis that you have been exploring throughout the term and the steps outlined in the Moore (2010) article?
- Does the discussion of integrating these concepts from basic research into practice provide practical, evidence-based recommendations for enhancing client outcomes?
- Ask at least one thoughtful follow-up question.