Possíveis relações entre o pensamento científico de b. F. Skinner e o método experimental de claude bernard

Abstract

Possible relations between Bernard and Skinner were pointed out in Psychology. Among those the most important would be the probable Bernadian influence on the single subject design (main experimental arrangement in Behavior Analysis). Even though many authors mentioned this fact no research has focused on the analysis of this relation. The same as the Single Case, other relevant issues between Bernard and Skinner were suggested but not enlarged like their combat to mentalism in defense of the scientific practice. Thus, in order to explore the gap on the intra subject method and deepen other connections already mentioned this work analysed possible relations between the scientific conceptions of Bernard and Skinner based on their own writings. Through a systematic comparison, both authors were approached on specific topics like: interaction organism-environment, mentalism as scientific embargo, induction or deduction as research reasoning and the Single Case method based on its main characteristics. Despite the differences found the results obtained indicated that in most of the analysed items there are evident compatibilities between Skinner and Bernard. Some data confirmed aspects already studied in other researches while others were against what some researchers said. The contributions made can diminish the gaps mentioned as well as add provocations to the following question: do Bernard and Skinner own compatibilities because they have similar interests or in fact, in any moment the thought of Skinner was influenced by the science of Claude Bernard?