Control of vocalization by use of a standardized set of verbal reinforcers

Abstract

rn This investigation attempted to determine the legitimacy of verbal operant conditioning as an actual phenomenon by partially eliminating numerous inherent methodological problems present in other studies. A standardized videotaped presentation of E, automated circuitry, the operant paradigm and rigidly defined temporal response units that were easily and objectively detected and recorded, were employed. Regardless of diagnosis, Ss who obtained situational anxiety scores in the low anxious range were amenable to verbal conditioning. No verbal conditioning resulted for Ss who obtained situational anxiety scores in the high anxious range. The issue of awareness was minimized by implementing the present methodology. Verbal conditioning is a research technique emanating primarily from Skinnerian operant conditioning and clinical interest in verbal behaviour, especially as it occurs in psychotherapy (Krasner, 1967). The tremendous interest in verbal operant conditioning is evidenced by the appearance of at least five thorough reviews of the literature (Greenspoon, 1962; Krasner, 1958; Montouri, 1968; Salzinger, 1959; Williams, 1964). However, the legitimacy of the phenomenon of verbal conditioning is questioned by these authors as the equivocal, inconclusive and contradictory results reported appeared to be a function of the complexity of the phenomenon and inherent methodological problems.