The Behavior of Organisms an Experimental Analysis

by Skinner B F.

ABOUT THIS With the publication of his first book, The Behavior of Organisms (1938), B. F. Skinner launched a new science based on selection by consequences as the mechanism through which behavior changes during the lifetime of the individual. The book summarizes nearly ten years of research, spanning the years of Skinner's graduate school days at Harvard through his three years as a member of the Society of Fellows. In the book, Skinner defines his basic unit of behavior, which he named the operant, proposes rate as the basic datum, and describes his research program to identify the variables of which behavior is a function.After publication of The Behavior of Organisms, Skinner continued research and writing at the University of Minnesota and at Indiana University before returning in 1948 to Harvard. He extended his scientific analysis to the design of cultures in Walden Two (1948), to verbal behavior (Verbal Behavior, 1957), and to the field of education (The Technology of Teaching, 1968). In 1971 Skinner published a best seller, Beyond Freedom and Dignity, addressing the implications of behavioral science for traditional notions of control. These endeavors, and many other articles and books, had their origins in The Behavior of Organisms which opened up a new frontier in the understanding of behavior.Published originally in 1938. Reprinted by the B. F. Skinner Foundation, 1991 and 1999. This book is from the Official B. F. Skinner Foundation Reprint Series.

Genres: Psychology, Science, Nonfiction, Classics

Paperback

First published January 1, 1938

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be the most important book in the development of modern behavioral thinking in psychology of the last century. In it, Skinner, begins to lay out the work of behavioral psychology for the next 50 years. We are still examining its philosophical implications and as yet we have left unsolved the problems of mind, consciousness, free will, and the good life.

[Madhur Bhargava · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic on behavioral psychology. It is less of a book and more of a detailed logbook of experiments. It would have helped if some of the unnecessary details such as the VERY detailed description of the construction of the Skinner box could have been limited to a few pages rather than dedicating an entire chapter to it.

[Siddharth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book. not everyone would get it though.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good primer on the study of behavior.

[Victor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Masterfully written, but the vast majority of observations and data is outdated, and reading it before being familiar with Behaviorism can be quite misleading.