Abstract
The differences within behaviorism in general and behavior analysis in particular have been described in many ways. Some of the more common distinctions are “basic versus applied”, “clinical versus non-clinical”, “behavior therapy versus behavior analysis”, and “experimental analysis of behavior versus applied behavior analysis”. These and other such distinctions do not seem to refer to truely important differences, or refer to important differences in confusing ways. It is suggested that there are two main dimensions which divide behaviorists into meaningful units: the type of paradigm (behavior analysis versus methodological behaviorism) and the level of analysis (technical, methodological, conceptual, or philosophical). By considering these two dimensions a number of issues in the field are recast. In particular, many of the differences within behavior analysis are recast into questions of the relationship between theory and technology.
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Reference Notes
Michael, J. The relevance of animal research. Paper presented in S. C. Hayes (Chair), “Experimental analysis and applied behavior analysis: Reconciliation or divorce?”, symposium presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Association of Behavior Analysis, Chicago, May, 1977.
Catania, A. C. Untitled discussion in S. C. Hayes (Chair), “Experimental analysis and applied behavior analysis: Reconciliation or divorce?”, symposium presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Association of Behavior Analysis, Chicago, May, 1977.
Catania, A. C. Personal communication. May 20, 1977.
Bailey, J. We used to all read JEAB, but is it still necessary? Paper presented in S. C. Hayes (Chair), “Experimental analysis and applied behavior analysis: Reconciliation or divorce?”, symposium presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Association of Behavior Analysis, Chicago, May, 1977.
Brownstein, A. Science: Try it, you’ll like it. Paper presented in S. C. Hayes (Chair), “Experimental analysis and applied behavior analysis: Reconciliation or divorce?”, symposium presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Association of Behavior Analysis, Chicago, May, 1977.
Birnbrauer, J. Social significance is in the eye of the beholder. Paper presented in S. C. Hayes (Chair), “Experimental analysis and applied behavior analysis: Reconciliation or divorce?”, symposium presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Association of Behavior Analysis, Chicago, May, 1977.
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Goldiamond, I. Personal communication. November 8, 1977.
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This paper is based in part upon a paper titled “Relevant and irrelevant divisions among behaviorists: A comment on a family quarrel”, presented in S. C. Hayes (Chair), “Experimental analysis and applied behavior analysis: Reconciliation or divorce?”, symposium presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Association of Behavior Analysis, Chicago, May, 1977.
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Hayes, S.C. Theory and Technology in Behavior Analysis. BEHAV ANALYST 1, 25–33 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392370
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392370