Skip to main content
Log in

Intersections of Behavior Analysis with Cognitive Models of Contingency Detection

  • Published:
The Behavior Analyst Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Bower and Watson have offered, respectively, a logical hypothesis-testing model and a conditional probability model of contingency detection by young infants. Although each could represent cognitive processes concomitant with operant learning, empirical support for these models is sparse. The limitations of each model are discussed, and suggestions are made for a more parsimonious approach by focusing on the areas of overlap between the two.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bauer, M. (1972). Bias in estimates of conditional probabilities and betting behavior as a function of relative frequency and validity of cues in a cue-probability learning task. Acta Psychologica, 36, 337–347.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bower, T. G. R. (1997). Contingencies, logic, and learning. The Behavior Analyst, 20, 141–148.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • DeCasper, A. J., & Carstens, A. A. (1981). Contingencies of stimulation: Effects on learning and emotion in neonates. Infant Behavior and Development, 4, 19–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeCasper, A. J., & Sigafoos, A. D. (1983). The intrauterine heartbeat: A potent reinforcer for newborns. Infant Behavior and Development, 6, 19–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeCasper, A. J. & Spence, M. J. (1986). Prenatal maternal speech influences newborns’ perception of speech sounds. Infant Behavior and Development, 9, 133–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Etzel, B. C., & Gewirtz, J. L. (1967). Experimental modification of caretaker-maintained high-rate operant crying in a 6- and a 20-week-old infant (infans tyrannotearus): Extinction of crying with reinforcement of eye contact and smiling. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 5, 303–317.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haith, M. M. (1966). The response of the human newborn to visual movement. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 3, 235–243.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mazur, J. E. (1983). Steady-state performance on fixed-, mixed-, and random-ratio schedules. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 39, 293–307.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Pelaez-Nogueras, M., Gewirtz, J. L., Field, T., Cigales, M., Malphurs, J., Clasky, S., & Sanchez, A. (1996). Infant preferences for touch stimulation in face-to-face interactions. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 7, 199–213.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. (1975). Helplessness. San Francisco: W. H. Freeman & Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shanks, D. R. (1993). Human instrumental learning: A critical review of data and theory. British Journal of Psychology, 84, 319–354.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Watson, J. S. (1979). Perception of contingency as a determinant of social responsiveness. In E. B. Thoman (Ed.), Origins of the infant’s social responsiveness (pp. 33–63). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, J. S. (1997). Contingency and its two indices within condtional probability analysis. The Behavior Analyst, 20, 129–140.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Cigales, M. Intersections of Behavior Analysis with Cognitive Models of Contingency Detection. BEHAV ANALYST 20, 161–166 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392774

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392774

Key words

Navigation