Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 31-35 of 112
 Positively Reinforcing ! November 7, 2006
Rebecca T. Johnson
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is a must read for anyone studying applied behavioral analysis, preparing for a teaching career, business career, getting married or becoming a parent! Karen Pryor presents applied behavioral analysis in clear, easy to understand language. Her writing style is easy to follow and you will learn more about behavioral science than you ever thought possible. This book is an excellent text that can be used to teach a college level class or as a relaxing read to learn how you can become a better person. As strange as it sounds, you will be prepared to train and teach your dog, your boss, co-worker, spouse or improve your own habits! I've used this book in college classes and I buy a revised edition each time one is issued.
AS basic a necessity as housetraining! November 5, 2006
Gerald V. Quinn
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
THis is an awesome book that has already helped me with two new puppies. Pryor's delivery of the information is an easy and fun read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who shares their life with a four-legged companion.
Exceptional Book!!!! October 28, 2006
B. J. Knutson (Southern California, USA)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
This book is absolutely outstanding! It has numerous examples that clarify concepts Ms. Pryor discusses, and the examples are not just with dogs. This is my first exposure to this type of approach to training, and I was able to use it to improve my puppy's response in training. My dogs are trained in obedience, and automatically sit when I stop walking. My 6 month old puppy was sitting slowly. Typically, we correct this by snapping up on the collar, but I decided to try the approach in the book. He was sitting lightening fast in one lesson. I was THRILLED, it was like magic! If I could give this book a higher rating, I would. These techniques would work on any living creature, and are quite valuable to know.
An easy-to-read book on getting people (or pets) to change October 14, 2006
Donald Fleck (New York City)
This little book explains reinforcement using examples that make it really clear how eight different methods of behavior modification work. It is a consumer's guide to behavior modification using reinforcement.
This little book is so basic that it includes examples of how to use reinforcement to:
-get a roommate to put away the dirty laundry
-correct your faulty tennis swing
-get the surly bus driver to stop being rude to you,
and much more.
How to modify each of these situations in 8 different behavior-mod ways is examined. While this is covered in a single chapter, the other chapters will help the reader understand learning principles, and to come up with her or his own methods.
My only wish is that behaviorists give more credit to love, or simple affection. When describing how a really big jackpot reinforcer such as giving a surprise party for the family can have an extraordinary effect on learning, the author keeps to her behavioral guns, rather than acknowledging that loving acts carry much more meaning than a calculated act done to reinforce good behavior. This is exactly what scared so many people away from the work of B.F. Skinner and his ground-breaking research ---- Skinner wanted to show that learning came from reinforcement, without affection. He was trying to make a point, but at a great cost to behaviorism.
Many readers will want to apply material in this book to their children. For readers who want this laid out in detail, good books are Your Defiant Child by Russell Barkley, and Loving Your Child is Not Enough, Positive Discipline that Works by Nancy Samalin.
These days, behavioral and cognitive therapies tend to be lumped together. For psychotherapists who want more detailed ways to use cognitive-behavioral therapy I can recommend two good books. The Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders, a Step by Step Treatment Manual gives detailed procedures for therapists to use with a dozen common psychotherapy problems, such as Depression, OCD, and couple distress. Cognitive Therapy, Basics and Beyond by Judith Beck gives a clear introduction to the famous therapy developed by her father that helps people get better by changing how they think.
 Staple book for teachers, trainers, coaches, everyone. July 13, 2006
S. Hoye (New York City, New Your)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
Want to know how to know how to teach anyone anything. Buy this book.
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