Applying Principles of Conditioning and Learning to the Workplace

In this exercise you will explore Web resources related to the application of principles of operant conditioning to problems of social importance. These Web sites include information on professional associations, clinical applications of behavior therapy, and advice for parents on applying behavior analysis techniques within a family setting. Your jumping-off points are the following Web sites.

http://www.coedu.usf.edu/behavior/bares.htm

http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/265/description

http://seab.envmed.rochester.edu/jaba/

1. List two leading journals that publish experimental research involving the application of principles of learning and conditioning to social behavior. Briefly summarize the goals of the organizations that publish the two journals.

2. What is "contingency management"? Explain its relevance in parenting.

3. Explain how a behavior analysis expert would deal with a child's temper tantrums.

4. Describe each of the following and explain their significance in the history of behaviorism (Hint: Check out the B. F. Skinner Foundation).

a. Project Pigeon
b. The Baby Box
c. Walden Two