Do you agree with Matt Normand’s assumption that as behavior analysts we are first

scientists? Why or why not? What are the implications of acting as a scientist and how can
you ensure that you will practice along these guidelines?

According to Matt Normand in the article Science, Skepticism, and Applied Behavior Analysis
(2008), the foundation for all behavior analytic research and practice is within the experimental
analysis of behavior. Normand (2008) states that since experimental analysis of behavior is a
natural science then an individual who identifies as a behavior analyst should also identify
themselves as a scientist. Science is defined as an attempt to discover order and to highlight the
events that stand in lawful relations to other events. (Science of Human Behavior, Pg. 6). In the
field of behavior analysis, one subscribes to the idea of determinism which adheres to the idea
that the world is lawful, orderly, and determined. Both science and behavior analysis seek to
demonstrate relations, predict occurrences of events, and arrange conditions to predict and
control (Science of Human Behavior, Pg. 14). Likewise, behavior analysts implement the
methods of science within the field by altering conditions and manipulating the environment to
anticipate and control the future outcomes of behavior. Much like scientists who must remain
skeptical and silent until an honest answer can be found, behavior analysts uphold the same
principles within their work.

A behavior analyst, like a scientist remains skeptical and avoids implementation of all
interventions and techniques unless they meet the criteria for being empirically supported.
Skinner (1954) illustrates the importance of scientists remaining without an answer until a
satisfactory one can be found to avoid premature conclusions, and explanations which are pure
invention (pg. 13). Furthermore, Skinner (1974) stated that: “Speculation is necessary, in fact, to
devise methods which will bring a subject matter under better control” (pg. 21). As analysts to
implement quality interventions that demonstrate a functional relation, it is imperative to
remain speculative, to ask questions, conduct research and to remain unbiased until an
objective answer has been found.

The role of a behavior analyst is first and foremost a scientist as evidenced by the similarities
amongst both scientists and those working as behavior analysts. Skinner (1954) highlighted the
necessity for scientists to be honest not only with themselves but with others around them in
order to make progress. As outlined within the reading, scientists maintain that the subject
matter, as opposed to the scientist knows best (Science of Human Behavior, Pg. 13). When
taking on new clients and meeting with client families, behavior analysts adhere to the same
principle of allowing the family and primary caregivers to be the expert with respect to the
client. Normand (2008) informs the reader that behavior analysts must be weary of
pseudoscience within the field as it can lead to detrimental effects on those receiving behavior
analytic services. Behavior analysts, like scientists must always operate from a place of honesty.
A behavior analyst is responsible for being honest and stating “I do not know” in regards to a
specific intervention or topic that they may be approached with by a client family. It is up to the
behavior analyst to remain without an answer for the family until time has been dedicated to
research and ensure that it adheres to the ethical guidelines and considerations outlined in the
BACB code of ethics. As behavior analysts it violates our ethical code to operate outside of
empirically evidenced interventions and techniques (Beddick, D. 2021). Overall, the ethical
considerations for both scientists and behavior analysts are synonymous.

** Discuss how Behavior analysts are stewards of science: the tools we use the data
collection, best practices, data based decisions, ioa, Observer reactivity? Behavior analysts are
first scientists due to the similarities in ethical code, the use of instruments and tools to ensure
the reduction of observer bias, and examining for actual experimental control. As BCBA’s we
reduce observer bias by ensuring IOA, examining for actual experimental control as opposed
to effects that could have produced changes without the intervention (extraneous variables),
replication, and self-correction.

*Ensure you will practice along the guidelines by upholding the ethical principles that guide best
practices within the field, including saying “idk” until I have a researched, and objective answer.
Reporting accurate data collection and the trends/patterns despite anyone’s thoughts or feelings,
the data is the data and should be reported as such. Do not skew data for any reason. AS behavior
anyalysts and scientists we must implore the use of such techniques tthat ensure reduction of
observer bias and account for actual experimental control. Continuing to use such tools and
isntruments further hightlights that an analyst is a scientist but also it helps to ensure best
practices by using the istruments and ensures we follow along with scientific guidelines.

“Science is a willingness to accept facts even when they are opposed to wishes” (p. 12).

-Saying “idk to a parent until you have objectively researched the intervention or topic.
This adheres to science as a whole as well as our overall ethical guidelines as a field. \

Behavioral events are a function of the evnrionmental circumstances in which they occur

(Beddick, D. (2021). Skepticism, Science and Behavior Analysis. Canvas@UWF.

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Skinner (1954)
Skinner (1974)
Jay moore