Categorization, concept learning, and behavior analysis: an introduction.

Full Abstract

Categorization and concept learning encompass some of the most important aspects of behavior, but historically they have not been central topics in the experimental analysis of behavior. To introduce this special issue of the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB), we define key terms; distinguish between the study of concepts and the study of concept learning; describe three types of concept learning characterized by the stimulus classes they yield; and briefly identify several other themes (e.g., quantitative modeling and ties to language) that appear in the literature. As the special issue demonstrates, a surprising amount and diversity of work is being conducted that either represents a behavior-analytic perspective or can inform or constructively challenge this perspective.

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Author information

Author/s: Zentall, Thomas R (TR); Galizio, Mark (M); Critchfied, Thomas S (TS);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40506, USA. zentall(-atsign-)pop.uky.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior (J Exp Anal Behav), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Nov; vol 78 (issue 3) : pp 237-48

Dates: Created 2002/12/31; Completed 2003/04/07; Revised 2005/11/16;

PMID: 12507002, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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