Translating Behavior Analysis: a Spectrum Rather than a Road Map

Abstract

Much has been written about the potential benefits of translational research in behavior analysis, but a lack of consensus about what constitutes "translational" creates a barrier to effective knowledge-practice innovation within the discipline and across other sciences. We propose a tiered system, adapted from a biomedical translational pathway, for classifying behavior analysis research on a basic-applied spectrum. Tier 0 is blue sky basic science in which the subjects, behaviors, stimuli, and settings are selected for convenience. Tier 1 is use-inspired basic science with a socially important end game and research subject. Tier 2 is solution-oriented research that attempts to solve a specific problem in a socially important subject, but 1 or more aspects of the research are selected for purposes of experimental control rather than social importance. Tier 3 is applied behavior analysis research that studies a problem of social significance for the subject and involves behaviors, stimuli, and settings that are socially important. Tier 4 is impact assessment in which behavioral technology is applied with a direct benefit to society. We provide examples of behavior-analytic research in each tier and evaluate the potential benefits of organizing behavior analysis in this way.

Effects of differential training in rule-governed behavior on compliance with traffic rules by pedestrians

“…With this proposed in mind in addition with the premise where the psychology have a special interest in human behavior analysis and it modification with direct intervention (Biglan, Zettle, Hayes, & Barnes-Holmes, 2016); it would be possible underline certain analytic and technological approaches from the fields of Behavior Analysis (e.g., experiential analysis of behavior and applied behavioral analysis, respectively) (Kyonka & Subramaniam, 2018;Peña-Correal, 2016). Within those, there is the Relational Frame Theory (RFT), which proposes a language and cognition explanation in terms of contingency relations between individual behavior and environment.…”

Balancing the scale

“…Our approach suggests that basic and applied research are extremes on a spectrum, and the differences between these areas can be viewed in terms of scale. While this idea of a spectrum is not novel (Kyonka & Subramaniam, 2018 ), by presenting this as a difference in scale we hope that readers will (potentially more clearly) see how the skills and approaches brought by basic and applied areas 1) not only complement one another, but are similar in nature and different in scale, 2) can be used to create more effective practice, and 3) create a deeper understanding of behavior. This perspective aims to demonstrate how valuable this kind of approach can be for those willing to seek it out.…”

Strengthening the research–practice loop in applied animal behavior: Introduction to the special issue

“…The purpose of this special issue is to highlight ways that behavior analysis can contribute to and support the development of evidence‐based applications with animals from multiple positions on the spectrum (Kyonka & Subramaniam, 2018 ) from the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) to practice. There is a need for replications and extensions of technologies derived from basic research to applied animal settings.…”