Question 1  

When do cognitive variables become “uninteresting” as causal entities?

If cognitions are to be affected, how can this be done? Give an example.

What is Skinner’s major objection to “inner states”?

According to Skinner, what is necessary in order to explain something?

What is the role of the second link in the causal chain, and what affect does this role have on the relationship between the first and third link and resulting explanatory power?

Question 6 

What is the implication for the role of cognitions if the chain is lawful?

Question 7  

What variables are “immediately available” for scientific analysis?

What distinguishes Skinner’s “Radical” behaviorism from the behaviorism of Watson?

What must be understood if phenomena are to be understood, how must this understanding be demonstrated and discovered, and what type of variables is this process restricted to?

Can cognitive variables be identified as causes in science? Why or why not?

What is Skinner’s main objection to concentrating on or focusing on the “inner workings of the mind” when trying to change behavior? 

What implications does this (the answer to question #2) have for the study of cognitions?

What are the links in Skinner’s causal chain?

What is the aspect of behaviorism that draws the most controversy, and what is the related basis for rejection of behaviorism?

A. Why is not knowing whether the organism experiences “hunger” not so important in predicting and controlling behavior? 

B. When might there be an exception to this?

Explain the role of cognitions in terms of an independent variable-dependent variable conceptualization.