Behaviorism and Society

Behav Anal. 2016 Apr 25;39(1):123-9. doi: 10.1007/s40614-016-0063-8. eCollection 2016 May.

Abstract

A probable list of causes for the limited acceptance of behaviorism in our society is identified. This is followed by a summary review of the proposed solutions identified in other papers in this special issue of The Behavior Analyst, most of which relate to either better marketing of either the behavior analytic process or the results achieved as a consequence. One paper proposes a more broad conception of behavior analysis. This paper endorses the solutions identified in previous papers and then goes on to propose an even more broad conception of behavior analysis and makes the point that behavior analysis is unlikely to flourish unless behavior analysts understand a good deal more about the cultural and other contextual features of the environments in which they work.

Keywords: Circular causation; Cultural contingencies; Linear causation; Marketing attributes; Marketing benefits; Organizational costs/benefits; Organizational functions; Theory based practice.

Publication types

  • Editorial