Notes published in the Spanish press on the death of B. F. Skinner

Abstract

One of the aspects considered relevant for inclusion in this monographic issue is the way in which the death of B. F. Skinner was covered by the different print media in Spain. To this end, we have opted for the verbatim reproduction (authorised for Apuntes) of the material published in various nationally distributed newspapers.

Specifically, what follows is the news of Skinner’s death as reported by those newspapers that provided some form of special coverage of the event (ABC, Diario 16, El Mundo and La Vanguardia). It should be noted that two other newspapers (El Independiente and El País) published press agency summaries in which either only the fact of Skinner’s death was reported (as in the case of El Independiente), or a brief review of his life and work was offered (El País).

What is written about a figure who was probably the most historically significant living psychologist at the time indirectly reflects the average level of knowledge, or lack thereof, regarding our science and profession. It must be borne in mind that this level of knowledge is undoubtedly influenced by what we, as psychologists, do and say. It is for the reader to judge the accuracy with which Skinner’s work was summarised in each case.