About Behaviorism, Chapter 7: Thinking, Quote 11

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:May 25, 2017
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“As accidental traits, arising from mutations, are selected by their contribution to survival, so accidental variations in behavior are selected by their reinforcing consequences.” (p.126)

Subscribe to RSS feed here

PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A SUSTAINER:

The B. F. Skinner Foundation is a charitable 501(c) (3) organization, EIN 42-1325722. Contributions are tax-deductible for income, gift, and estate taxes. All proceeds support the B. F. Skinner Foundation and enable us to continue our important work. Thank you to all of current and previous donors for helping us continue our mission of Better Behavioral Science for a More Humane World!

From now through August 31, the paperback edition of Verbal Behavior: Extended Edition is just $15 in the B. F. Skinner Foundation's bookstore.

Even better, every copy includes our exclusive companion Study Guide!

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!

For a deep dive into the Skinnerian approach to verbal behavior and its everyday applications, please register for the Fall 2026 Skinner Session. The online event, titled Verbal Behavior in Action, will take place on October 23, 2026. It features a talk from Andre Anderson, who will examine, in his unique way, "how principles from B. F. Skinner’s Verbal Behavior can be applied to spoken word poetry to promote sustainable behavior change" (1.5 CEUs). Dave Palmer and David Roth will discuss Skinner's 1967 seminar on verbal behavior from recently discovered audiotapes (1.5 CEUs). Last but not least, Emily Kerwin with lead the panel discussion with clinicians using Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior across a variety of service settings (1.5 CEUs). Sign up now to enjoy the early bird special pricing when you register for all three!

The newest addition to the Skinner for the 21st Century series, Upon Further Reflection: Extended Edition, is available in paperback! A PDF version of the book is also available.

SKINNER'S QUOTE OF THE DAY

“As accidental traits, arising from mutations, are selected by their contribution to survival, so accidental variations in behavior are selected by their reinforcing consequences.” (p.126)

You Might Also Like

Science and Human Behavior, Chapter 7: Operant Discrimination, Quote 16

Science and Human Behavior, Chapter 16: Thinking, Quote 19

Cumulative Record. Chapter 52: Can Psychology Be a Science of Mind? Quote 17