Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Developmental Disabilities

Scientific Inquiry and Interactions in Behavior Analysis

  • Chapter
Behavior Theory and Philosophy

Abstract

Behavior analysis has had a pervasive influence on the field of developmental disabilities. This is evident from the proliferation of behaviorally based interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities; from course content and textbooks on behavior approaches included in the curricula of training programs in special education; from the number of advertisements for positions in developmental disabilities in which skill in behavior analysis is a qualification; from the results of litigation mandating provision of services based on behaviorally based practices; and from policy, regulatory standards, and legislation regarding use of behaviorally based assessment and treatment in various situations (e.g., Reid, 1991). That is surely good news. On the other hand, there have been, and continue to be, notable failures and sources of dissatisfaction. We conclude that this is also good news because these failures force the field to continue to improve. This chapter will argue that continued interaction among basic science/theory, applied research, technology, and applied practice will provide the best source of improvement. In order to make this point, this chapter will (a) illustrate different types of interactions between basic science/theory, applied research, technology, and applied practice; (b) examine them in the context of developments in behavioral analysis and developmental disabilities; and (c) consider what they suggest for further advances.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Azrin, N. H. (1977). A strategy for applied research.: Learning based but outcome oriented. American Psychologist, 32, 140–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 91–97.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baron, A., & Perone, M. (1982). The place of human subject in the operant laboratory. The Behavior Analyst, 5, 143–158.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Belke, T. W. (2000). Studies of wheel-running reinforcement: Parameters of Herrnstein’s (1970) response-strength equation vary with schedule order. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 73, 319–331.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Berg, W. K., Peck, S., Wacker, D. P., Harding, J., McComas, J., Richman, D., & Brown, K. (2000). The effects of presession exposure to attention on the results of assessments of attention as a reinforcer. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 463–477.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Binder, L. M., Dixon, M. R., & Ghezzi, P. M. (2000). A procedure to teach self-control to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 233–237.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cardwell, D. S. L. (1994). The Norton history of technology. London: Fontana Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carr, E. G. (1977). The motivation of self-injurious behavior. Psychological Bulletin, 84, 800–816.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, E. G., & Durand, V. M. (1985). Reducing behavior problems through functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18, 111–126.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carr, E. G., Yarbrough, S. C., & Langdon, N. A. (1997). Effects of idiosyncratic stimulus variables on functional analysis outcomes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 673–686.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chandler, L. K., & Dahlquist, C. M. (2002). Functional assessment: Strategies to prevent and remediate challenging behavior in school settings. Columbus: Merrill Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooper, L. J., Wacker, D. Brown, K., McComas, J. J., Peck, S. M., Drew, J., Asmus, J., & Kayser, K. (1999). Use of a concurrent operants paradigm to evaluate reinforcers during treatment of food refusal. Behavior Modification, 23, 3–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davison, M., & McCarthy, D. (1988). The matching law: A research review. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum..

    Google Scholar 

  • Day, H. M., Homer, R. H., & O’Neill, R. E. (1994). Multiple functions of problem behaviors:Assessment and intervention. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 279–289.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Derby, K. M., Hagopian, L., Fisher, W. W., Richman, D., Augustine, M., Fahs, A., & Thompson,R. (2000). Functional analysis of aberrant behavior through measurement of separate response topographies. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 113–117.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Derby, K. M., Wacker, D. P., Peck, S., Sasso, G., DeRaad, A., Berg, W., Asmus, J., & Ulrich,S. (1994). Functional analysis of separate topographies of aberrant behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 267–278.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Deitz, S. M. (1978). Current status of applied behavior analysis: Science versus technology. American Psychologist, 33, 805–814.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, M. R., Benedict, H., & Larson, T. (2001). Functional analysis and treatment of inappropriate verbal behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 361–363.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Epling, W., F., & Pierce, W. D. (1983). Applied behavior analysis: New directions from the laboratory. The Behavior Analyst, 6, 27–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, S. M., Iwata, B. A., & Mazaleski, J. L. (1997). Noncontingent delivery of arbitrary reinforcers as treatment for self-injurious behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 239–249.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, W. W., & Mazur, J. E. (1997). Basic and applied research on choice responding. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 387–410.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, W. W., Ninness, H. A. C., Piazza, C. C., & Owen-DeSchryver, J. S. (1996). On the reinforcing effects of the content of verbal attention. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 235–238.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, W. W, Piazza, C. C., & Chiang, C. L. (1996). Effects of equal and unequal reinforce duration during functional analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 117–120.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heery,J.(1886).Scientific Writings of Joseph Henry.Washington:Smiths Institution.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henry, J. (1886). Scientific writings of Joseph Henry. Washington: Smithsonian Institution. Herrnstein, R. J. (1961). Relative and absolute strength of response as a function of frequency of reinforcement. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 4, 267–272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herrnstein, R. J. (1970). On the law of effect. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 13, 243–266.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Iwata, B. A. (1988). The development and adoption of controversial default technologies. The Behavior Analyst, 11, 149–157.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Iwata, B. A., Dorsey, M. F., Slifer, K. J., Bauman, K. E., & Richman, G. S. (1994). Toward a functional analysis of self-injury. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 197–209. (Reprinted from Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 2,3–20,1982).

    Google Scholar 

  • Iwata, B. A., Pace, G. M., Dorsey, M. F., Zarcone, J. R., Vollmer, T. R., Smith, R. G., Rodgers, T. A., Lerman, D. C., Shore, B. A., Mazaleski, J. L., Goh, H. L., Cowdery, G. E., Kalsher, M. J., McCosh, K. C., & Willis, K. D. (1994). The functions of self-injurious behavior: An experimental-epidemiological analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 215–240.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Iwata, B. A., Wallace, M. D., Kahng, S., Lindberg, J. S., Roscoe, E. M., Conners, J., Hanley, G. P., Thompson, R. H., & Worsdell, A. S. (2000). Skill acquisition in the implementation of functional analysis methodology. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 181–194.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, E. A., & Hackenberg, T. D. (2000). Human performance on negative slope schedules of points exchangeable for money: A failure of molar maximization. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 73, 241–260.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, J. M. (1991). We need a new model of technology. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 425–427.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, J. M. (1993). A model for developing and evaluating behavioral technology. In R. Van Houten & S. Axelrod (Eds.), Effective behavioral treatment: Issues and implementation (pp. 323–343 ). New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, J. M. (1996). Distinguishing between applied research and practice. The Behavior Analyst, 19, 35–47.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, J. M. (2000). Behavior analysis and the R & D paradigm. The Behavior Analyst, 23, 141–148.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy, C. H., & Itkonen, T. (1993). Effects of setting events on the problem behavior of students with severe disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26, 321–327.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy, C. H., & Meyer, K. A. (1996). Sleep deprivation, allergy symptoms, and negatively reinforced problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 133–135.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy, C. H., Meyer, K. A., Werts, M. G., & Cushing, L. S. (2000). Effects of sleep deprivation on free-operant avoidance. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 73, 333–345.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lalli, J. S., & Kates, K. (1998). The effect of reinforcer preference on functional analysis out-comes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31, 79–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lattal, K. A. (2001). The human side of animal behavior. The Behavior Analyst, 24, 147–161.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lattal, K. A., & Neef, N. A. (1996). Recent reinforcement-schedule research and applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 213–230.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mace, F. C. (1991). Technological to a fault or faulty approach to technology development? Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 433–435.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mace, F. C. (1994). Basic research needed for stimulating the development of behavioral technologies. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 61, 529–550.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mace, F. C., & Knight, D. (1986). Functional analysis and treatment of severe pica. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 19, 411–416.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mace, F. C., & Lalli, J. S. (1991). Linking descriptive and experimental analysis in the treatment of bizarre speech. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 553–562.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mace, F. C., McCurdy, B., & Quigley, E. A. (1990). A collateral effect of reward predicted by matching theory. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 23, 197–205.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mace, F. C., Neef, N. A., Shade, D., & Mauro, B. C. (1994). Limited matching on concurrent-schedule reinforcement of academic behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 585–596.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Martens, B. K., Halperin, S., Pummel, J. E., & Kilpatrick, D. (1990). Matching theory applied to contingent teacher attention. Behavioral Assessment, 12, 139–156.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martens, B. K., & Houk, J. L. (1989). The application of Herrnstein’s law of effect to disruptive and on-task behavior of a retarded adolescent girl. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 51, 17–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martens, B. K., Lochner, D. G., & Kelly, S. Q. (1992). The effects of variable-interval reinforcement on academic engagement: A demonstration of matching theory. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25143–151.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDowell, J. J. (1988). Matching theory in natural human environments. The Behavior Analyst 11, 95– 109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Michael, J. (1980). Flight from behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst, 3, 1–24.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morris, E. K. (1991). Deconstructing “technological to a fault.” Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 411–416.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moxley, R. A. (1989). Some historical relationships between science and technology with implications for behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst, 12, 45–57.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mueller, M. M., Wilczynski, S. M., Moore, J. W., Fusilier, I., & Trahant, D. (2001). Antecedent manipulations in a tangible condition: The effects of stimulus preference on aggression. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 237–240.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Myerson, J., & Hale, S. (1984). Practical implications of the matching law.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 17, 367– 380.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Institutes of Health. (1991).Treatment of destructive behaviors in persons with developmental disabilities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neef, N. A. (1995). Research on training trainers in program implementation: An introduction and future directions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 28, 297–299.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neef, N. A. (2002). The past and future of behavior analysis in developmental disabilities: When good news is bad and bad news is good. Behavior Analyst Today.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neef, N. A., Mace, E. C., & Shade, D. (1993). Impulsivity in students with serious emotional disturbance: the interactive effects of reinforcer rate, delay, and quality. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26,37–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neef, N. A., Mace, E. C., Shea, M. C., & Shade, D. (1992). Effects of reinforcer rate and reinforcer quality on time allocation: Extensions of matching theory to educational settings. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 691–69.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neef, N. A., & Lutz, M. N. (2001). Assessment of variables affecting choice and application to classroom interventions. School Psychology Quarterly, 16, 239–252.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neef, N. A., Shade, D., & Miller, M. S. (1994). Assessing influential dimensions of reinforcers on choice in students with serious emotional disturbance. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 575–583.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Northup, J., Wacker, D., Sasso, G., Steege, M., Cigrand, K., Cook, J., & DeRaad, A. (1991). A brief functional analysis of aggressive and alternative behavior in an outdinic setting. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 509–522.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Reilly, M. F. (1995). Functional analysis and treatment of escape-maintained aggression correlated with sleep deprivation. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 28, 225–226.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O’Reilly, M. F., & Carey, Y. (1996). A preliminary analysis of the effects of prior classroom conditions on performance under analogue analysis conditions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 581–584.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peck, S. M., Wacker, D. P., Berg, W. K., Cooper, L. J., Brown, K. A., Richman, D., McComas, J. J., Frischmeyer, P., & Millard, T. (1996). Choice-making treatment of young children’s severe behavior problems. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 263–290.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pelios, L., Morren, J., Tesch, D., & Axelrod, S. (1999). The impact of functional analysis methodology on treatment choice for self-injurious and aggressive behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 185–195.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pennypacker, H. S. (1986). The challenge of technology transfer: Buying in without selling out. The Behavior Analyst, 9, 147–156.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pennypacker, H. S., & Hench, L. L. (1997). Making behavioral technology transferable. The Behavior Analyst, 20, 97–108.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Perone, M. (1985). On the impact of human operant research: Asymmetrical patterns of cross-citation between human and nonhuman research. The Behavior Analyst, 8, 185–189.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Petroski, H. (1992). The evolution of useful things. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piazza, C. C., Hanley, G. P., Bowman, L. G., Ruyter, J. M., Lindauer, S. E., & Saiontz, D. M. (1997). Functional analysis and treatment of elopement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 653–672.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Piazza, C. C., Hanley, G. P., & Fisher, W. W. (1996). Functional analysis and treatment of cigarette pica. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 437–449.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pierce, W. D., & Epling, W. F. (1995). The applied importance of research on the matching law. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 28, 237–241.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pindiprolu, S. S., Peterson, S. M. P., Rule, S., & Lignuaris /Kraft, B. (2003). Using Web-Mediated Experiential Case-Based Instruction to Teach Functional Behavioral Assessment Skills. Teacher Education in Special Education, 26, 1–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poling, A., Ailing, K., & Fuqua, R. W. (1994). Self-and cross-citations in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior: 1983–1992. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 729–731.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid, D. H. (1991). Technological behavior analysis and societal impact: A human services perspective. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 437–439.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Repp, A. C., Felce, D., & Barton, L. E. (1988). Basing the treatment of stereotypic and self-injurious behaviors on hypotheses of their causes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 21, 281–289.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Repp, A. C., & Karsh, K. G. (1994). Hypothesis-based interventions for tantrum behaviors of persons with developmental disabilities in school settings. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 21–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, I. S., & Baer, D. M. (1991). Social validity assessments: Is current practice state of the art? Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 189– 204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. New York: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1968). The technology of teaching. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1972). Cumulative record: A selection of papers. New York: Appleton-CenturyCrofts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stolz, S. B. (1981). Adoption of innovations from applied behavioral research: “Does anybody care?” Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 14, 491–505.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strand, P. S. (2001). Momentum, matching, and meaning: Toward a fuller exploitation of operant principles. Behavior Analyst Today, 2, 170–175.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Camp, C. M., Lerman, D. C., Kelley, M. E., Roane, H. S., Contrucci, S. A., & Vorndran, C. M. (2000). Further analysis of idiosyncratic antecedent influences during the assessment and treatment of problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 207–221.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vollmer, T. R., Ringdahl, J. E., Roane, H. S., & Marcus, B. A. (1997). Negative side effects of noncontingent reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 161–164

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wolf, M. M. (1978). Social validity: The case for subjective measurement or how applied behavior analysis is finding its heart. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11, 203–214.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Education, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Nancy A. Neef & Stephanie M. Peterson

Authors
  1. Nancy A. Neef
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Stephanie M. Peterson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, 26506-6040, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA

    Kennon A. Lattal  & Philip N. Chase  & 

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2003 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Neef, N.A., Peterson, S.M. (2003). Developmental Disabilities. In: Lattal, K.A., Chase, P.N. (eds) Behavior Theory and Philosophy. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-4590-0_20

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-4590-0_20

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-3405-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-4590-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation