Murray Sidman and Patient H. M.: The role of behavior analysis in the emergence of collaborative modern neuroscience

Abstract

The intersection of the lives of 2 essential individuals in science, behavior analyst Murray Sidman (1923‐2019), and Henry G. Molaison also known as Patient H.M. (1926‐2008), warrants examination as it highlights the role of behavior analysis and other disciplines in the emergence of modern neuroscience and a collaborative approach to science. This paper describes the historical context and content of two publications by Sidman in which Molaison served as a research participant. The goal of the present paper is to emphasize this little‐known facet of Sidman's rich career and to highlight the pioneering role of behavior analysis, and particularly the work of Murray Sidman, in the emergence of collaborative modern neuroscience.