Clarifying Some Common
Misrepresentations of Behavior Analysis
Introduction
Every field suffers some misrepresentation. But not every field faces persistent
misrepresentation and nonrepresentation despite:
*A large, well-written literature for many audiences.
*A growing literature targeting misrepresentations.
*Numerous contributions to experimental psychology and applied fields
including education, clinical psychology, medicine, and business.
This work is an attempt to:
*Identify some of the more enduring and damaging misrepresentations of
behavior analysis.
*Clarify the generally held behavior analytic position on these issues.
*Provide the interested reader with resources for further study.
Table of Contents
(Click on Misrepresentations)
Misrepresentation #1
Behavior analysis oversimplifies complex issues, is superficial, and fails to
take us beyond common sense.
Misrepresentation #2
"Only" behavior is addressed. Behavior analysts are unconcerned with
cognitive phenomena and cannot address the issues raised by cognitive theory.
Misrepresentation #3
Genetic influences are ignored.
Misrepresentation #4
Behavior analysis would eliminate our freedom to choose.
Misrepresentation #5
Behavior Analysis misses the essential features of what it means to be human
such as awareness, feelings, and states of mind.
Misrepresentation #6
B.F. Skinner and J.B. Watson agreed on all essential points.
Misrepresentation #7
Behavior analysis cannot account for complex behavior especially that
involving language.
Misrepresentation #8
Behavior analysis cannot explain or enhance creativity or intrinsic
motivation
Misrepresentation #9
Animal and human behavior have only tenuous relationships therefore much of
behavior analysis is without generality to
humans.
Misrepresentation #10
Terminological notes: This area covers common vocabulary errors
Misrepresentation #11
A miscellany: Brief replies to a series of common misrepresentations.
*Behavior analysis is dead
*Behavior analysis is isolated
*Applied behavior analysts advocate surgical procedures and punitive
tactics
*Aircribs are Skinner boxes
*Watson's "Give me a dozen..." quote
*Skinner rejects theory and does not have one