ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the development, control and elimination of latter class of behaviors. Consistent with the previously stated environmental bias of the behavior modification approach, this discussion of learning concepts focuses primarily on an examination of stimulus functions and the manner in which certain functions may be developed, modified, or eliminated. As learning principles are statements of relationships between classes of stimulus events and various response characteristics and as the major concern is with procedures of behavior change, the following discussion of learning focuses on a description of the operations which, when followed, demonstrate the learning relationships. Once a conditioned stimulus gains well-established control of respondent reactions, this stimulus may serve the function of an unconditioned stimulus in a higher order conditioning process. Other neutral stimuli, when paired with the well-established conditioned stimulus, will acquire independent power to elicit the respondent behavior.
