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On Certain Similarities Between Mainstream Psychology and the Writings of B. F. Skinner

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Abstract

selected writings of B. F. Skinner are compared to 5 current topics in mainstream psychology, including the role of the unconscious, human language, the role of dispositions in psychology, human perceptions of conformity and bias, and mindfulness. The striking similarities between Skinner’s work and these 5 current topics support Richelle’s (1993) prediction that psychologists may eventually discover that Skinner was a forerunner in the theory and practice of psychology.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, E2L 4L5

    Murray J. Goddard

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Correspondence to Murray J. Goddard.

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This work was supported by a sabbatical leave from the University of New Brunswick, Saint John, and a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

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Goddard, M.J. On Certain Similarities Between Mainstream Psychology and the Writings of B. F. Skinner. Psychol Rec 62, 563–576 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395821

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