The evolution of the behavior systems framework and its connection to interbehavioral psychology

Abstract

The present article traces the development of Timberlake's behavior systems framework while noting connections between it and Kantor's interbehavioral psychology. Congruent with Timberlake's behavior systems approach, interbehaviorists assert that (a) behavior is best understood as part of a complex causal system instead of a simple linear model, (b) the study of learning and behavior analysis should consist of the study of multiple responses and the systematic observation of response forms, (c) learning involves the reorganization of a behavior system, (d) behavioral analyses should be more ecological in orientation, and (e) psychology would benefit from a set of methodologies and apparatuses broader than those normally used to study operant and Pavlovian conditioning. These connections may derive from two broad themes shared by the behavior systems framework and interbehavioral psychology: an appreciation for a systems view of behavior and the importance of ethological considerations.

Keywords: Behavior systems; Interbehavioral psychology; Kantor; Timberlake.