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| Building Bridges II: Behavior Analysis and Related Disciplines |
| Sunday, May 30, 2004 |
| 10:30 AM–11:50 AM |
| Independence East |
| Area: TPC |
| Chair: Ethan White (University of New Mexico) |
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| On Having a Principle |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| CRISS WILHITE (California State University, Fresno) |
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| Abstract: Radical behaviorism has a long history of research across all the subject matter of psychology, yet it is a misunderstood and minority perspective in psychology. Many authors have offered reasons for this, yet the problem persists. It is suggested that radical behaviorists use the principles of behavior analysis to change our position among others psychologists: magazine train other psychologists to approach us (be friendly and helpful); start at the skill level of the people we are influencing (read their work and be able to relate it to ours); use positive practice to shape behavioral language, behavioral referencing and behavioral research; refrain from using aversives such as sarcasm, frowns, and derision; use behavioral momentum to develop participation in behavioral conferences. We will further our field more readily by developing actual changes in the behavior of other psychologists than if we continue developing our own verbal behavior of complaint. |
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| Applying Relational Frame Theory to Evolutionary Theories of Language |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| ETHAN WHITE (University of New Mexico) |
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| Abstract: Language is the one behavior that stands out as truly unique, powerful and definitive of our species. Our natural proficiency for communicating, however, belies the many difficulties psychologists have had explaining language. I believe the relatively new field of Evolutionary Psychology can advance theories of language by expanding our understanding of the function of language and the context in which it evolved. Evolutionary psychologists have produced a coherent and valuable body of work which has uncovered many startling functions of language and describes the specific environmental contingencies that shaped it. This approach is, however, primarily mechanistic (reducing complex human interactions into discrete parts with concrete relationships) and mentalistic (giving private events causal status). And because of this, it is unable to satisfy the empirical, methodological, and philosophical preferences of the behavior analyst. Relational Frame Theory is a promising perspective for examining language, verbal behavior, and cognition and is a logical starting point for integrating behavior analysis and evolutionary psychology. By reexamining some of the seminal work on language done by evolutionary psychologists from a Relational Frame perspective we can advance our understanding of language while maintaining a decidedly functional and contextual perspective for studying verbal behavior rigorously. |
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| Modifying Student Behavior in Taiwan: Corporal Punishment Versus Time Out |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| CARY S. SMITH (Mississippi State University), Li-Ching Hung (Mississippi State University) |
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| Abstract: Confucian philosophy has reigned dominant in Chinese culture for over two millenia. From 500 B.C.E. until modern times, a teacher's will was supreme in the classroom, allowing him or her the right to administer corporal punishment for any number of offenses, including receiving poor grades, having poor study habits, or not showing the requsite level of respect for the instructor. As Taiwan forges ahead in the 21st century, this ancient mode of thought has been challenged by Western values regarding what is and is not appropriate for modifying behavior in the classroom. Time out, a common procedure for controlling misbehavior, is widely practiced in the United States but has, until recently, been sparsely used in Taiwan. This dichotomy between tradition and modernity is slowly changing, but many educators are unsure about which type of behavioral intervention is the most efficacious. An historical overview concerning the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches will be discussed. |
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