THE PIONEER CONTRIBUTION OF LUIZ MARCELLINO DE OLIVEIRA TO EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIOR AND PSYCHONIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION IN BRAZIL

Resumo

Luiz Marcellino de Oliveira (1939-2008) had an influential participation in almost every moment of the history of the Department of Psychology and Education, FFCLRP, as well as at different moments of the history of the Brazilian Psychology. This paper examines issues related to his pioneer work as a teacher of experimental analysis of behavior and as a psychobiological investigator in Brazil. Emphasis is given to his dedication to the development of science and to the consolidation of a scientific approach to Psychology in Brazil at the level of teaching and of experimental investigation. He contributed with investigations on the effects of drugs and malnourishment on behavior and brain development, conducting experimental analysis of behavior and neurochemical and electrophysiological analysis of the nervous system of the malnourished organism, as well as putting emphasis on environmental stimulation as a valuable intervention. Both as a teacher and as a researcher he exerted a prime influence on numerous professionals and members of the academic community that during more than forty years had the privilege of benefiting from his friendship and knowledge.

Keywords: Luiz Marcellino de Oliveira; experimental analysis of behavior; psychobiology; malnutrition; environmental stimulation.