Balancing the scale

Abstract

Traditional discussions involving ‘basic’ and ‘applied’ behavioral research often focus on the differences, or gaps, between these areas. They take place in different environments, use different methods, ask different questions, and have different objectives. Applied animal behavior is no exception. Focusing on the differences in these areas is to the detriment of a cohesive and complete understanding of animal behavior. This paper instead focuses on the similarities between these two sides, and presents them as a matter of scale. A series of real‐life examples experienced by the authors is used to highlight how the skills and knowledge of both the applied and the basic sides are valuable and necessary to not only further both fields independently, but to develop a comprehensive understanding of animal behavior.