Verbal behavior in the measuring process

Abstract

The behavior called "measuring" generates new stimuli that intraverbally evoke new and potentially more effective responding to the situation under investigation. The nature of the measurement-produced contribution to these supplementary antecedent controls is examined, particularly with respect to changes in what can then be said or known. A simple problem (fitting a tablecloth to a table) is analyzed with measuring prohibited. Autoclitically related tacts are seen to emerge and form statements intraverbally. The conclusion is that only when quantitative statements evoked by measurement records supplement the statements featuring autoclitically related tacts can a new and more effective level of responding occur.