Mentalism
Definition
An approach that explains behavior by appeal to an inner mental dimension — a mind, a will, a drive — that is said to cause it. Behavior analysis rejects this because the inner cause is inferred from the very behavior it is supposed to explain, so the account adds nothing that could be tested or changed.
In plain language
Explaining behavior by pointing to something inside, like willpower or a bad attitude. It sounds like an explanation but gives you nothing to work with.
Example
A student is said to refuse work because he lacks motivation, and the lack of motivation is inferred from the refusal.
Not mentalism
Noting that refusal is followed by removal of the task and testing whether that removal maintains it. That is a functional account.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- skinner-1974
Written from Skinner (1974). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.