Multiple Perspectives on Establishing a Research Lab in Culturo-Behavior Science

Research and Training in Culturo-Behavior Science

“…Recently, scholars, practitioners, aspiring behavior scientists and behavior analysts, and others (e.g., Cihon, Becker, et al, 2020 ; Mattaini, 2019 ; Mattaini & Luke, 2014 ) have commented on the numerous barriers to accessing training in CBS and other applications of behavior science to design more effective behavioral systems. Nevertheless, the students are ready; they see the problems and they see that the problems are largely caused by human behavior.…”

“…Nevertheless, the students are ready; they see the problems and they see that the problems are largely caused by human behavior. They want to better understand the recursive relations between human behavior and the networks of contingencies that make up our social and cultural environments, the sector interdependencies, and nonviolent strategic social action (Ardila-Sánchez et al, 2020 ; Cihon, Becker, et al, 2020 ; Mattaini, 2013 ). There is an explicit need for training in CBS, and recent efforts from ABAI, the Behaviorists for Social Responsibility Special Interest Group (BFSR SIG) of ABAI, and members of the think tanks on cultural analysis (Glenn et al, 2016 ; Mattaini & Cihon, 2019 ; Todorov & Malott, 2005 ) have begun to shape an infrastructure to support and expand opportunities for students to receive explicit training in CBS.…”

“…Additionally, CBS VCSs must include an experiential-learning component that provides students with the opportunity to develop competencies in CBS research and practice. The experiential-learning component requires interdisciplinary collaboration, often cultivated through advising and mentoring students in faculty-advised research and teaching labs through practica, special-problems courses, theses, and dissertations (Cihon, Becker, et al, 2020 ). The emphasis is on establishing a critical recombinative repertoire (cf.…”

“…The emphasis is on establishing a critical recombinative repertoire (cf. Alessi, 1987 ; Cihon, Becker, et al, 2020 ) so that students, upon completion of the certificate program, are prepared to practice, explore, and advance CBS.…”

“…Work in CBS is not easy, but it can be done, especially if it is done with the right supports and focuses on developing the critical repertoires for students and aspiring behavior scientists, such as those outlined in the CBS VCS and certificate program. Institutions that are developing such programs might benefit from arranging supportive practices that might include inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, the facilitation of mentorship activities, and the development of communities of practice (Cihon, Becker, et al, 2020 ). CBS requires the analysis of the contingencies sustained in our social institutions.…”