The study of perception in Behavior Analysis: challenges and perspectives from the Skinnerian Approach in About Behaviorism

Abstract

In About Behaviorism, Skinner redefines perception as operant behavior, controlled by environmental contingencies and reinforcement histories, rejecting explanations based on mental representations or internal cognitive processes. The present study explores the foundations of this approach, including the critique of the “copy theory”, the distinction between physiological and functional explanations, and the role of contingencies in perceptual behavior. Although the Skinnerian perspective offers a parsimonious and empirically grounded analysis, challenges are identified, such as the difficulty in explaining phenomena like imagination and perceptual illusions without resorting to other levels of analysis. The study also discusses the need for dialogue with neuroscience and cognitive psychology to advance the understanding of perception, while maintaining the theoretical coherence of radical behaviorism. Finally, the study reflects on the implications of this approach for research in Behavior Analysis.