Publications [#371646] of John E. Staddon

Chapters in Books

1. Staddon, J "Theoretical behaviorism." Contemporary Behaviorisms in Debate. August, 2021: 79-95. [doi]
   (last updated on 2026/01/14)

   Abstract:
   Theoretical behaviorism has evolved from radical behaviorism. To stimulus and response it adds the idea of state: the state (conceptual, not physiological) of the organism defines the repertoire of responses available in a given stimulus context. Classical and operant conditioning are just different faces of the same coin. Classical conditioning is a process that detects correlations between environmental features and something of value, positive or negative, to the organism. This correlation induces a repertoire from which operant reinforcement can select. If the correlation is very strong and the unconditioned stimulus is imminent, then the induced repertoire may be limited-to pecking (in a hungry pigeon) or to salivation (in a restrained dog). Selection, in the sense of a response contingency, may be unnecessary. The result may look like a reflex, but isn't, although restricted behavioral options and extreme motivation may make it appear so.