PS561 U1 Discussion
Scientist vs. Practitioner
Consider this week's readings and the review of the scientific attitudes and goals of applied behavior analysis. Reflect on the information about the goals of the science in the field, your role as a scientist-practitioner, and the necessary focus on social validity and client quality of life.
Please respond to the following:
- Provide a well-supported discussion of how science and practice are interrelated, with specific considerations from Sidman (2011) and Callahan & Foxx (2021).
- What challenges or questions come to mind when you think about integrating these aspects of science and practice for the benefit of the client?
- Provide a brief background, and select a behavior (your own or that of a child, partner, parent, student, client, etc.) to practice developing an operational definition of a problem behavior and a desired replacement behavior.
- Discuss the social significance of the behaviors and how they could impact one's quality of life (QOL) as outlined by Schwartz & Kelly(2021).
Review two of your classmates' responses, using the following ideas as a guide:
- Are there any other considerations to examine regarding the concept of the scientist-practitioner with regards to technology vs. artistry?
- Are the operational definitions of behavior that are provided clear, complete, and socially significant?
- Are there any QOL domains that need to be (re)considered for the selected behaviors?
- Ask at least one thoughtful follow-up question.