Impetus for a robust science of behavior: A review of Nevin's Behavioral Momentum: A scientific metaphor

Author/Creator

Date

2017-12-12

Department

Program

Citation of Original Publication

Charles Catania, A. (2018), Impetus for a robust science of behavior: A review of Nevin's Behavioral Momentum: A scientific metaphor. Jrnl Exper Analysis Behavior, 109: 101-106. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeab.296

Rights

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Charles Catania, A. (2018), Impetus for a robust science of behavior: A review of Nevin's Behavioral Momentum: A scientific metaphor. Jrnl Exper Analysis Behavior, 109: 101-106. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeab.296, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/jeab.296. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.

Subjects

Abstract

Nevin provides a scientific role model, illustrating momentum in his own research and providing impetus through his effects on the scientific behavior of his students and his colleagues. I discuss his book in the context of a review of the history of the concept of extinction, I cite his introduction of signal-detection analysis into behavior analysis as a contribution not covered in this book, I briefly consider applications, such as the potential extension to fluency procedures in education, and I critique his concept of momentum, relating it to other metaphors for maintained behavior such as the dynamics of sensory systems and robustness in biological accounts of the stability of phenotypes.