Revista Brasileira de Terapia Comportamental e Cognitiva
ISSN 1517-5545
KEMP, Steven M. ECKERMAN, David A.. Why simulate?. Rev. bras. ter. comport. cogn. []. 2001, 3, 1, pp.25-35. ISSN 1517-5545.
Recently, some behavior analysts have recommended the use of computer simulations to augment, or even replace, verbal and mathematical interpretations of behavior. This report raises the question as to what computer simulation adds to other analyses of behavior. We present examples of the human behavior of arithmetic calculation in order to illustrate the benefits of computation even where the results are known. The claim is made that mechanical computation (computer simulation) can have the same sorts of benefits, magnified by the power and speed of the electronic computer.
: Computer simulation; verbal behavior; neural process.