Overview of B.F. Skinner's Radical Behaviorism

Definition of Radical Behaviorism

• A form of behaviorism aimed at understanding all human behavior.
• Includes private events such as thoughts and feelings.
• Focus on controlling variables in a person’s history (ontogeny) and species (phylogeny).

Explanation of Behavior

• Behavior is everything living organisms do.
• Non-human animals are included.

Meaning of "Radical"

• Not extreme in the common sense, but all-encompassing.
• Takes into account the total human experience.
• Rooted in evolutionary science.

Components of Radical Behaviorism

• Ontogeny: Behavior acquired during an organism's lifetime.
  • Example: Skills and experiences learned throughout life.
• Phylogeny: Skills and abilities inherent to a species.
  • Example: Reflexes like knee-jerk or blinking.

Application Example

• Understanding why someone may not respond (e.g., not calling back).
• Radical behaviorists use empirical data for insight.
• Focus on environmental variables and tangible evidence.

Common Questions About Radical Behaviorism

Viability of Approach

• Still viable since its formulation.
• Has evolved, leading to functional contextualism.

Consideration of Mind or Soul

• Does not include hypothetical constructs like mind or soul.
• Analyzed through behavior analytic perspective.

Prevalence Among BCBAs

• Unclear statistics on practice assumptions.
• Many writings and journals operate from this stance.

Conclusion

• Radical behaviorism is a comprehensive approach to understanding behavior.
• Offers a scientific perspective rooted in empirical data.

Support and Contributions

• Video sponsored by viewers and patrons.
• A call for support to continue the creation of educational content on behavior analysis.

Next Steps

• Upcoming video on "Methodological Behaviorism."
• Encouragement to support further educational efforts.