Skinner on the prediction and control of behavior

Abstract

While prediction is a necesary requirement for the acceptance of a scientific theory, the prediction and control of behavior is not a neutral criterion for evaluating psychological theories. Appeal to prediction and control of behavior as a criterion, or objective of psychological theory is intelligible only if Skinner's conception of man is accepted. Emphasis upon control as criterion, as elaborated by Skinner, is not only inadequate but also dangerous. Finally some questions are raised about the relationship between psychological theories and methodology, and background conceptions of man.