Abstract

Recent experimental literature has begun to stress applications of a model in learning theory which seems to have important implications for the study of interpersonal situations. These studies generally carry the label operant and are applying the well known Skinnerian learning theory to a study of verbal behavior. In the general model the dependent variable is the subjects' verbal behavior, with the independent variables being the rate and nature of reinforcements administered by the experimenter. If, as a result of reinforcement, there is a change in the verbal behavior of the subject, then conditioning is said to have occurred. An excellent review by Krasner (9) gives the most recent findings of these investigations with adults. With the exception of the significant contributions of Estes (4) and Gewirtz and Baer (6) little work has been done to test the effectiveness of social reinforcement in children.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call