[From Rick Marken (960104.1600)]
Me:
This [gut fullness control model] isn't the bombshell, is it?
Bruce Abbott (950104.1635 EST) --
No, this isn't it. I wouldn't take of my flack jacket just yet!
Oops. I was in my swim suit. I'll change right way!
Tick, tick, tick, tick . . . .
This is pretty exciting. I couldn't help guessing what it might be. Here's my
top ten bombshell predictions for 1996:
1. You have found incontrovertible proof that perception is the control of
behavior.
2. You were unable to complete the pilot tests for your rat experiment
because all the rats ended up stuck to the bar, pressing like mad, victims
of the incredible strengthening effect of the reinforcers.
3. You won a MacArthur fellowship for innovative approaches to the study
of living control systems.
4. You have decided to use some of your MacArthur award for an all expenses
paid PCT conference on Maui for all your favorites on CSG-L (Powers, Bourbon,
Marken, etc) and their spouses.
5. You discovered that "control" means "kinky sex" in yiddish, accounting for
Marken's incredible dedication to doing experiments on control.
6. You read "Mind Readings" and plan to order 10,000 more copies (that
MacArthur money comes in handy) for shipment to experimental psychologists
who need a good laugh.
7. You found the PCT ride at Disney World.
8. You were able to leave Florida's strong, reinforcing pull by clicking your
heels together three times and repeating "there's no theory like PCT, there's
no theory like PCT".
9. You got hold of the last thing Skinner ever wrote, an enigmatic note
ending with the words "So I've finally realized that behavior involves the
control of something. But what, dammit! What is it that behavior controls?!"
10. You got the part of the down and out PCTer who is kept by the once famous
reinforcement theorist in Steven Spielberg's remake of "Sunset Boulevard".
Best
Rick