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A Systems Approach to Behavior II: The Ecological Description and Analysis of Human Behavior Dynamics

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Abstract

This article explores the conceptual relations existing among experimental animal psychology, field ethology, and human clinical behavior modification, in order to generate a new methodology for descriptive analyses in ecological settings. Drawing upon a “systems” conception of learning and behavior maintenance, descriptive accounts of both behavior and behavioral control dynamics in the environment are emphasized by the model. Specific research conducted to illustrate and validate the approach is discussed. Research on all of the major parameters is presented, including cross-cultural and cultural change applications, in an effort to illustrate the method’s format and utility for analyzing human behavior in a variety of naturalistic settings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Behavioral Sciences, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida, 32789, USA

    Roger D. Ray & M. Rosalind Ray

Authors
  1. Roger D. Ray
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  2. M. Rosalind Ray
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Additional information

Portions of the research reported here were supported by Grant No. GY-9325 from the National Science Foundation’s College Science Curriculum Improvement Program (CoSIP) to Rollins College. Additional support for the preparation of this report came from the Rollins College Faculty Research Grant funds.

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Ray, R.D., Ray, M.R. A Systems Approach to Behavior II: The Ecological Description and Analysis of Human Behavior Dynamics. Psychol Rec 26, 147–180 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394375

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394375

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