Deconstructing “Technological to a Fault”

The Significance and Future of Functional Analysis Methodologies

“…"What is the relative efficacy of various procedures in treating the same problem behavior?" Although these questions certainly have merit, their focus is limited to technical application per se without concern for discovery of the variables that control behavior under natural conditions (Morris, 1991 (Iwata, Vollmer, Zarcone, & Rodgers, 1993). A number of studies have now shown that the inefficacy ofsome nonintrusive treatments may be due to the mismatch between operant function and treatment (Durand & Carr, 1987;Repp, Felce, & Barton, 1988) or to a change in operant function over time (Lerman, Iwata, Smith, Zarcone, & Vollmer, 1994) rather than an indication of the need for more intrusive procedures.…”

“…"What is the relative efficacy of various procedures in treating the same problem behavior?" Although these questions certainly have merit, their focus is limited to technical application per se without concern for discovery of the variables that control behavior under natural conditions (Morris, 1991). Thus, if a particular intervention fails to produce behavior change, it is unlikely to be subjected to the tests of generality, long-term benefits, and relative efficacy.…”

Revise and Resubmit

“…Among the latter, for instance, is language that suggestsa coldness and inhumanity to behavior analysis as a whole (e.g., "technical rationality," "empirical correctness"; cf. Morris, 1991). Other language is vaguely religiousin tone (e.g., "research self-righteousness," "intolerance," "chosen approach," "redeem ourselves"), where something more descriptive would be preferable.…”

The primatologist as a behavioral engineer

“…Generally, in behavior management, the independent variables are the behavioral procedures being applied, and the analysis focuses on determining the effectiveness of those procedures. In behavior analysis, the independent variables are the controlling variables of the target behaviors, and the analysis involves the experimental determination of the causes of behavior and the subsequent use of that information to change the behavior [Morris, ]. This is the difference between determining whether the addition of environmental enrichment decreases stereotypic pacing (behavior management) as compared with determining what variables cause stereotypic pacing to develop and persist and how changing those variables can prevent, decrease, or eliminate the pacing behavior (behavior analysis).…”