Improving the Methodological, Analytical, and Cultural Impact of Behavior Analysis Via Utilization of Group Design Methods and Statistical Analyses

• Published in: International electronic journal of elementary education Vol. 15; no. 3; pp. 277 - 290
• Main Authors: Dixon, Mark R., Chastain, Amanda N., Matthews, Meredith T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kutahya International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education 2023
• Subjects: Applied Behavior Analysis; Behavior; Behavior Patterns; Debates; Design techniques; Groups; History; Inclusion; Research Design; Research methodology; Statistical Analysis
• ISSN: 1307-9298; 1307-9298
• DOI: 10.26822/iejee.2023.300

The multi-decade debates within the field of behavior analysis as to the possible value and threat of group design methodology and statistical analyses on the purity of the field have weakened the discipline’s maximal impact on the world. This paper rebukes the concerns and suggests that through such adoption behavior analysis may likely better achieve its world-changing ideals, and pragmatic initiatives. We begin with a historical trace of the current debate and describe the pros and cons to design/analysis inclusion, frame such matters within the context of contemporary issues which applied behavior analysts find themselves concerned, and ultimately put forward means by which broader, and perhaps more impactful, research questions can be asked and interpreted. The multi-decade debates within the field of behavior analysis as to the possible value and threat of group design methodology and statistical analyses on the purity of the field have weakened the discipline’s maximal impact on the world. This paper rebukes the concerns and suggests that through such adoption behavior analysis may likely better achieve its world-changing ideals, and pragmatic initiatives. We begin with a historical trace of the current debate and describe the pros and cons to design/analysis inclusion, frame such matters within the context of contemporary issues which applied behavior analysts find themselves concerned, and ultimately put forward means by which broader, and perhaps more impactful, research questions can be asked and interpreted.