Zentall, T. R., Galizio, M., & Critchfield, T. S. (2002).
Categorization, concept learning, and behavior analysis: An introduction.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior,
78, 237-248.
Categorization and concept learning encompass some of the most
important aspects of behavior, but historically they have not
been central topics in the experimental analysis of behavior. To
introduce this special issue of the Journal of the
Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB), we define
key terms; distinguish between the study of concepts and the
study of concept learning; describe three types of concept
learning characterized by the stimulus classes they yield; and
briefly identify several other themes (e.g., quantitative
modeling and ties to language) that appear in the literature. As
the special issue demonstrates, a surprising amount and diversity
of work is being conducted that either represents a
behavior-analytic perspective or can inform or constructively
challenge this perspective.
Key words: categorization, concept learning, stimulus class,
function transfer