It will be seen from the present proposal that the behavioristic view is far from dead, and that indeed, it is the only one right now that offers the potential of an applied discourse technology which society greatly needs. Behavioral Definition of Discourse. Discourse is the visible organization of invisible mental and affective states. By analyzing the elements of discourse and their functional dependence, we gain knowledge on the functional relations in mental and affective states. The control of behavior depends on a knowledge of social reinforcers and their contingent management.
Discourse analysis provides information on social reinforcers and contingency schedules.
This is because overt discourse is functionally dependent on inner mental and affective states. Thus, the organization of mental and affective states in an individual will determine the visible characteristics of discourse productions by that individual. This idea is generally recognized by all, namely, that language provides clues as to the person s thoughts and feelings. Nevertheless, to bring this idea down to the level of technology it needs further behavioristic development. Especially, what is wanted is a functional analysis of discourse content, and the behavioral correlates of the functional units.