Is it necessary to read only modern texts on behavior modification to gain an understanding or are older ---?

Question

theories still valid? In particular I am refering to Skinner's Operant conditioning and whether it is worthwhile to read texts on behavior modication from the 70s or after. Has the field moved far enough where in order to get a worhwhile understanding one who have to read texts from the 90s or would it be advantegous to read texts after 2000, or would any text within 30 years still be worth reading. To me, it would not be worth reading if it was simply to gain a historical perspective. Any advice here would be helpful, especially if someone could name some good texts to start with adn then a few to move up to. Thanks btw send me a email if you feel inclined to do so, I would enjoy to discuss with matter in more detaill.

Answer 1

Skinner in particular is still valid.

However, he was wrong about our inability to understand the neural underpinnings of behavior.

But if you just want to shape it, that stuff is still fine.

(American) Psychology shifted emphasis from Behavior (1910-1950) to Cognition (1950-1980) to the neural basis of behavior and cognition (1980-now).

These are rough guidelines. Depending what you are interested in, you should read original works from that period

Answer 2

Most texts now-a-days are based on Skinner, Freud, Erikson...ect. they take the old information for you to see and add the new theorists that have "theorized" on thier theories....savvy? LOL...No, really, I don't see what the point in reading these new texts when the original information is in the older books. If you have a class in psych, you need the new ones because that is where your questions come from. However, if you are researching, the older texts can be very helpful. I don't know of any good books. I usually go through the whole library searching for the ones I like. Good luck to you....

Answer 3

Skinner's operant conditioning is solid practice in behavior modification. We use its principles to train both dogs and children. Certainly, theories and practice evolves over time. People come along with new ideas on how to adapt the older ways, and in some cases, bring changes that are revolutionary advancements. But they are still only building upon the previous models. The old, tried-and-true pioneer work is needed not only for historical data, but for foundational support of current practice. It helps us to better understand why we have adapted our current methods and ideologies. If we can place it in context over time and understand the limitations of the previous models, we can see developments that were the rage for a while that turned out over time to be ineffective or even damaging to the individual, and it also helps us to better evaluate why current trends seem to have better initial results.

Answer 4

I would read on functionality and applicability--date would not be an issue in a field that lacks cohesion. A great little book concerning Skinners stuff is Don't shoot the dog by Karen Pryor