ABSTRACT
Regrettably, E. B. Holt's theoretical intentions for the "recession of the stimulus" have been masked somewhat by misinterpretations in some of the secondary literature. In some discussions, the "recession of the stimulus" has been erroneously viewed through the lens of the distinction between proximal and distal stimuli. The reading of "the recession of the stimulus" through the lens of the proximal–distal distinction is a case of an historical "presentist" error. Disentangled from a proximal–distal reading, the recession of the stimulus opens up a far more encompassing view of the effective psychological environment. Barker's findings and Holt's concept of the recession of the stimulus are mutually illuminating and reinforcing. Holt's concept of the recession of the stimulus allows us to view the pattern of actions that make up a behavior setting in a new light. In turn, the methodological usefulness of the "situation" will be examined with reference to a body of research that clearly demonstrates its analytical value.
