Skip to main content
The Behavior Analyst logoLink to The Behavior Analyst
. 1995 Spring;18(1):99–111. doi: 10.1007/BF03392696

A model of cause—effect relations in the study of behavior

Drake C Chisholm, Donald A Cook
PMCID: PMC2733668  PMID: 22478209

Abstract

A three-phase model useful in teaching the analysis of behavior is presented. The model employs a “black box” behavior inventory diagram (BID), with a single output arrow representing behavior and three input arrows representing stimulus field, reversible states, and conditioning history. The first BID describes the organism at Time 1, and the second describes it at Time 2. Separating the two inventory diagrams is a column for the description of the intervening procedure. The model is used as a one-page handout, and students fill in the corresponding empty areas on the sheet as they solve five types of application problems. Instructors can use the BID to shape successive approximations in the accurate use of behavior-analytic vocabulary, conceptual analysis, and applications of behavior-change strategies.

Keywords: model, diagram, causality, paradigm, notation, procedure

Full text

PDF
99

Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

  1. MORSE W. H., SKINNER B. F. A second type of superstition in the pigeon. Am J Psychol. 1957 Jun;70(2):308–311. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. Mechner F. A notation system for the description of behavioral procedures. J Exp Anal Behav. 1959 Apr;2(2):133–150. doi: 10.1901/jeab.1959.2-133. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  3. Michael J. Distinguishing between discriminative and motivational functions of stimuli. J Exp Anal Behav. 1982 Jan;37(1):149–155. doi: 10.1901/jeab.1982.37-149. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. SKINNER B. F. Superstition in the pigeon. J Exp Psychol. 1948 Apr;38(2):168–172. doi: 10.1037/h0055873. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Articles from The Behavior Analyst are provided here courtesy of Association for Behavior Analysis International

RESOURCES