Skinner Chapter 14 - Rolincik and Siedman
Michael Rolincik
From what I gathered this is simply that sometimes what is perceived
as intelligence or wit is just someone reacting to something in a way
that is natural to them but not necessarily apparent to your or other
people.
2. Distinguish between a formal prompt (suggestion) and a thematic
prompt.
A formal prompt is often used as a tool for recall, for example a
formal prompt is often used in theater when an actor forgets their
lines, it can be one word or a whole passage which eventually triggers
recall and this is dependent on the strength of the memory. A thematic
prompt is a more vague form of hint, rather than using words or cues
that are actually part of the desired response more thematic cues are
used.
3. Give an example each of a formal probe and a thematic probe.
A formal probe is when one’s own thoughts speak through a different
medium, one of the examples in the book was a girl who is running away
from home hears the wheels of a train saying things like why are you
here. In contrast a thematic probe is the use of a single word or
concept to gain insight into a broader range of ideas. One example of
this is word association, in which one word is given and the
participant is asked to make connections to that word and describe
what significance they have.
4. How does Skinner define “projection?”
Skinner defines projection as when you attribute your feeling which
you view as unacceptable on to others.
5. Give an original example of variables with incompatible effects.
Two of the examples given were a dog approaching a strange object and
a soldier going into battle. Both actions consist of both approach
and withdrawal. Skinner states that the resulting action would be
movement in one direction, but at a qualified speed.
6. What one common word can be substituted for Skinner’s phrase
“variables with incompatible effects”?
'conflict'
7. What does “prepotency” mean?
Prepotency is the appearance of one of two conflicting responses. The
prepotent response is the one that is actually exhibited.
8. What is “chaining?”
When the response to one variable actually alters some variables which
control other responses, the result is a chain. Skinner gives the
example of walking through a museum store and being drawn to one shelf
by something you like, but then during this response we see something
that causes you to retreat. This would be considered a chain.