Jeff Corey
6th July 2005, 08:34 PM
B. F. Skinner defined "superstitious" behavior as behavior under the control of noncontingent reinforcement, or reinforcement occurring without any causal connection with the organism's behavior. ("Superstition in the Pigeon", 1948)
In humans, we call it "Post hoc, ergo propter hoc."
We are familiar with human superstitions such as "lucky" clothes, rituals such as rain dances and Episcopalianism.
But what about my dog Molly? For the past three days, she has been barking whenever fireworks are detonated and keeps barking until they stop.
Is this like the legendary Hekawi tribe that danced until it rained?
In humans, we call it "Post hoc, ergo propter hoc."
We are familiar with human superstitions such as "lucky" clothes, rituals such as rain dances and Episcopalianism.
But what about my dog Molly? For the past three days, she has been barking whenever fireworks are detonated and keeps barking until they stop.
Is this like the legendary Hekawi tribe that danced until it rained?