Question

Which statement is NOT a reason for the slow appreciation of Skinner’s work: Verbal Behavior?

A) It was met with immediate challenges from the field of linguistics and psycholinguistics.
B) The way Skinner responded to Norm Chomsky’s negative review, many felt it was condescending and lacking supporting data.
C) Lack of research and data supporting his theory.
D) Disinterest and negative reactions from the field of behavior analysis.

Answer 1

Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is letter C, lack of research and data supporting his theory. Many critics were made to Skinners book but the main reason it never became popular was because of the lack of empiric testing of the concepts mentioned on it.

Chomsky's critics were based on this book only, not taking into consideration the previous development of Skinners theory; but Skinner never actually responded to this critics.