Being a good scientist, a good mentor and a good person: How to run a laboratory the Lattal way

Abstract

The Andy Lattal Operant Conditioning Laboratory at West Virginia University is a carefully designed learning environment where students become behavior analysts. Andy has applied his deep knowledge of behavioral principles to establish and maintain the expected behavior of good scientists within a harmonious environment, achieved through his masterful use of positive reinforcement and his reluctance to use punishment or coercion. These practices align with those used in organizational behavior management and can serve as a model for other laboratories. This paper extracts some principles that Andy uses in his laboratory and provides examples aimed at inspiring laboratory leaders seeking to eliminate aversive contingencies and foster harmonious and collaborative learning environments. The paper includes an analysis of Skinner’s views on what constitutes “good” to clarify the behavior of a good scientist, a good mentor, and a good person.