Science and Human Behavior Chapter 2 - A Science of Behavior

What does the characteristic of "intellectual honesty" in science primarily emphasize?

A commitment to truthful and transparent reporting of research.

Why does Skinner think that previous to the writing of this book, no one had taken the approach of carefully taking data and analyzing behavior?

Because they believed that human behavior was beyond scientific study.

What challenges do researchers face when attempting to apply the scientific method to the study of human behavior?

Ethical considerations and the complexity of human behavior can pose challenges.

What does Skinner mean when he says that behavior is the focus of scientific study, rather than something else?

He means that behavior is the primary subject of inquiry in science.

Why is control a desired scientific outcome?

It allows for the prediction and regulation of behavior, even in complex real-world situations.

What are the advantages of skepticism or remaining without an answer to a scientific question?

It promotes intellectual honesty and prevents premature conclusions.

"The facts must stand and the expectations fall." Why is this quote so important in relation to the characteristics of science?

It underscores the priority of empirical evidence over preconceived notions.

What does Skinner say about the importance of observation?

Observation is crucial for understanding behavior.

How might preconceived notions and biases impact the application of the scientific method in the study of human behavior?

Preconceived notions and biases may lead to misinterpretation of data.

What are the advantages of, or the importance of, prediction?

Prediction enables scientists to anticipate and control behavior.

Which of the following best describes the characteristic of "skepticism" in the context of science?

Questioning and critically evaluating claims and evidence.

"Characteristics of science are not restricted to any particular subject matter." What does this quote mean?

Scientific characteristics are not limited to specific areas of study.

How will our knowledge, gained from scientifically studying behavior, conflict with our assumptions, beliefs, and prescientific conceptions of behavior?

Scientific knowledge will challenge and sometimes contradict our beliefs.

What does Skinner mean when he talks about control of a phenomena?

The ability to manipulate and regulate the relevant conditions or factors responsible for a particular behavior.

What does the characteristic of "search for order" in science primarily refer to?

The attempt to find patterns and regularities in natural phenomena.

What does Skinner mean when he says that the products of science are not the same thing as science itself?

The mere existence of scientific knowledge does not guarantee scientific inquiry.

What limitations do some people perceive in the scientific method when it comes to understanding complex human behaviors?

They believe the scientific method is too rigid for studying human behavior.