Translating Behavior Analysis: a Spectrum Rather than a Road Map

Abstract

Much has been written about the potential benefits of translational research in behavior analysis, but a lack of consensus about what constitutes "translational" creates a barrier to effective knowledge-practice innovation within the discipline and across other sciences. We propose a tiered system, adapted from a biomedical translational pathway, for classifying behavior analysis research on a basic-applied spectrum. Tier 0 is blue sky basic science in which the subjects, behaviors, stimuli, and settings are selected for convenience. Tier 1 is use-inspired basic science with a socially important end game and research subject. Tier 2 is solution-oriented research that attempts to solve a specific problem in a socially important subject, but 1 or more aspects of the research are selected for purposes of experimental control rather than social importance. Tier 3 is applied behavior analysis research that studies a problem of social significance for the subject and involves behaviors, stimuli, and settings that are socially important. Tier 4 is impact assessment in which behavioral technology is applied with a direct benefit to society. We provide examples of behavior-analytic research in each tier and evaluate the potential benefits of organizing behavior analysis in this way.

Keywords: Applied behavior analysis; Basic–applied continuum; Biomedical model; Experimental analysis of behavior; Internal validity; Scientific consequences; Social significance; Taxonomy; Translational research pathway.

Fig. 1

A basic–applied spectrum for behavior analysis research adapted from a biomedical translational pathway (Blumberg et al., 2012). Each tier has a label (e.g., T0), a description, a potential starting point for research, and an expected outcome. This tier system classifies research according to (a) whether the research subjects were selected for experimenter convenience (T0) or as representatives of those who stand to benefit from research outcomes (T1–T4) and (b) whether the target behaviors, stimuli, and settings were selected based on convenience to the researcher (T0 and T1), social importance (T3 and T4), or a mixture (T2). Research in lower tiers prioritizes internal validity and experimental control, whereas research in higher tiers emphasizes ecological validity and societal relevance. T0 = Tier 0; T1 = Tier 1; T2 = Tier 2; T3 = Tier 3; T4 = Tier 4