Logical Relationships of Questions to Issues in Verbal Conditioning Studies

Abstract

Previous reviews of the literature on verbal learning have not shown the relevance of type of question asked Ss to the theoretical issues involved. The present paper classifies commonly used questions into four major types: purpose of the experiment, response-reinforcement contingency, intention to get the reinforcement or to give the correct response, and recall of behavior. It is argued that only the second and third types of questions are directly relevant to the automatic Law of Effect issue. It is pointed out, however, that many Es have used only the first and fourth types. Measurement of S's intention has been particularly neglected in verbal conditioning studies. The importance of specifying level of awareness, referent, and context when dealing with abstract concepts is emphasized.