SAFMEDS Deck - Skinner: Selection by Consequences

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the SAFMEDS Deck on Skinner's theory of selection by consequences.

Selection by consequences

A causal process where variations are strengthened or weakened depending on their consequences.

Causal mode

A way of explaining why things happen; selection is a distinct causal mode different from mechanical causation.

Variation

Differences in traits, behaviors, or practices that provide material for selection.

Consequences

Environmental events that determine which variations persist.

Natural selection

Selection of genetic traits that increase survival and reproduction.

Phylogenic behavior

Innate behavior shaped by evolutionary history.

Biological fitness

The degree to which traits contribute to survival and reproduction.

Evolutionary history

The accumulated effects of natural selection across generations.

Operant conditioning

Selection of behavior by reinforcement during an individual's lifetime.

Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the future probability of a behavior.

Susceptibility to reinforcement

The evolved capacity for behavior to be shaped by consequences.

Behavioral repertoire

The set of behaviors an individual has learned through reinforcement.

Maladaptive operant behavior

Behavior selected by reinforcement that does not benefit long-term survival.

Social reinforcement

Reinforcement delivered by other people.

Verbal behavior

Behavior shaped by social reinforcement that allows humans to transmit contingencies through language.

Rule-governed behavior

Behavior controlled by verbal descriptions of contingencies.

Imitation

Learning by copying the behavior of others.

Cultural transmission

Passing practices and knowledge across generations.

Cultural evolution

Selection of group practices based on their consequences for the survival of the culture.

Cultural practices

Behaviors maintained because they benefit the group.

Group-level consequences

Outcomes that affect the survival of the culture.

Cultural survival

The persistence of a culture due to effective practices.

Purpose or intention

Mentalistic explanations that treat behavior as internally initiated.

Essences

Explanations invoking 'mind,' 'will,' or 'intelligence' as causal forces.

Storage metaphors

Ideas like 'genes store information' or 'memory stores knowledge.'

Structural explanations

Appeals to organization or development as if they cause behavior.

Initiating agent

The mistaken belief that individuals internally originate their actions.

Self as cause

The idea that a person 'chooses' behavior independent of selection history.

Conflicts between levels of selection

Differences in what benefits individuals, groups, or species.

Environmental contingencies

The conditions that select behavior at all three levels.