Friday, May 29, 2009

(1971 )." A Glossary of Behavioral Terminology"


White, Owen R. (1971). A glossary of behavior terminology. Champaign, IL: Research Press Co.


This is an interesting glossary, although to some it might be more of a historical piece for a behavioral bibliophile, since it's out of print, than a working glossary. In difficulty, I would consider it somewhere between Verplanck's glossary, and the Florida State University glossary.

I enjoy White's glossary, and even refer to it from time-to-time as a working glossary because it covers, with some detail, a diversity of areas: schedules of reinforcement, stimulus control, respondent conditioning, and more--as well as some basics of statistical analysis and precision teaching (two fields that seldom overlap). It also has an advantage in that this compact volume is eminently readable in bed or in the bathtub--two places where laptops or desktops are unlikely to be found.

Pricing on the glossary is kind of hit or miss--I bought mine for $2 at an online used book vendor, but I've also seen the identical item being listed for $50+ (check a bookseller search engine and see if you can get it for $2). It's good, but $50 good?...unfortunately, no.

For further reading or study

Other works authored or co-authored by Owen R. White
Listing from Worldcat.org

Owen R. White's webpage
University of Washington
EDSPE 510 Classroom Measurement and Management

Rick Kubina's interview of Owen R. White at the PT Party website
November 2007


Happy reading.
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The posts are just thoughts about books that I have enjoyed, but tastes are individual and
I can't vouch that any of these will be your cup of tea. Please accept my apologies in advance for any disappointments and my pleasure if you also enjoy the described book. Cheers.




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