Skinner’s analysis of motivation: Ten applications for improving autism treatment
Presentør
Mark L. Sundberg | Ph.D., BCBA |
Abstract
Motivation plays a critical role in virtually every aspect of human behavior. Its importance in the analysis of behavior is a major theme throughout Skinner’s writings (e.g., 1938, 1953, 1974), especially in the book "Verbal Behavior" (1957). In these writings Skinner details the many distinctions between motivation and stimulus control and suggests they constitute two separate types of antecedent control, a point elaborated on extensively by Michael (e.g., 1982, 1993, 2007). The current presentation will discuss the value of including the concept of the motivating operations (Mos) into autism assessment and intervention programs. Ten specific applications of the MO will be described, each of which could improve a child’s overall program, but in combination these applications could produce even greater gains in linguistic, social, academic, and functional living skills.