Recent Issues. Chapter 4: The Listener. Quote 1

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:December 14, 2018
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“In a behavioral account, the direction of action is exactly reversed. Speakers do not take in the world and put it into words; they respond to it in ways which have been shaped and maintained by special contingencies of reinforcement.” (p. 35)

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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!

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SKINNER'S QUOTE OF THE DAY

“In a behavioral account, the direction of action is exactly reversed. Speakers do not take in the world and put it into words; they respond to it in ways which have been shaped and maintained by special contingencies of reinforcement.” (p. 35)

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