Work

From Patterns to Prosperity: a Review of Rachlin's the Science of Self‐control

Year: 2002

Type: article

Abstract: The Science of Self‐Control (Rachlin, 2000) presents a clear overview of research and theory on self‐control, emphasizing important recent research by Rachlin and his students on temporally extended behavioral patterning as an aid to curbing impulsive decisions. We found the book well suited as a textbook in a graduate seminar on self‐control, particularly because it lucidly presents several provocative ideas about self‐control, decision making, addiction, and general theories of behavior. Of particular interest are his discussion of the “primrose path” to addiction and his behavioral research on the “prisoner's dilemma” as it relates to self‐control. Although we take some issue with teleological behaviorism, the theory of behavior advocated by Rachlin, we recommend this book to anyone interested in self‐control.

Source: Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior

DOI: 10.1901/jeab.2002.78-117

Authors: Edmund Fantino, Stephanie Stolarz‐Fantino

Institution: University of California San Diego

Language: English

Topic: Decision-Making and Behavioral Economics

Subfield: General Decision Sciences

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, National Institute of Mental Health

Awards: G3152881934, Factors Influencing Response Strength, Principles of Behavior Change: Choice and Context, G7592683538