This one even has redeeming psychological content of an educational sort, as I first told it in a behaviour modification class. It subsequently became a classic family favourite, so scandalized and yet titillated were my two young daughters to hear their father use such naughty words. I hope it gets through your filth filters.
-------------------- The parents can no longer stand the potty-mouth of their fresh adolescent. They consult a behaviour modifier. He explains about operant conditioning and the use of time-out. They agree to give it a try. The family sit down for supper that night. Potty-mouth adolescent son: Hey sis, pass some of them f*cken carrots, will ya? Father (calmly): Sorry, son. Up to your room. Now. Five minutes! Son (whines): Why? Whud I do? Father: Never mind. Just go to your room. We'll call you when you're ready. Five minutes pass. Son returns to the table. Son: Mom! Can I have some o' them God-d*amned carrots now? Father: Son! Up to your room. ................. Two more repetitions follow. Son returns to the table. Father (leans over solicitiously): Is there anything I can get for you, son? Son: You can bet your sweet ass it ain't goina be them f*cken carrots this time! --------------------------- Moral for behaviour modification class: Verbal instructions are not necessary for operant conditioning to work (as, for example conditioning of animals and infants show). But they can make the process more efficient. Stephen ----------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Emeritus Bishop's University e-mail: [email protected] 2600 College St. Sherbrooke QC J1M 1Z7 Canada Subscribe to discussion list (TIPS) for the teaching of psychology at http://flightline.highline.edu/sfrantz/tips/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
