Introduction

Behavior analysis, as a field, encompasses three principal branches: Skinner's book titled 'Psychological
Research Methods' that, introduced the concept of behaviorism, as well as the works of Bogdan and
Biklen that emphasized on Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
This is a comprehensive analysis that aims at exploring deeply the development of each branch, to study
their historical and philosophical foundations, main contributors, and how they collectively contribute to
behavior analysis as a natural science. The journey starts by looking at the differences and similarities
between behaviorism, EAB, and ABA, and then the evolution and the impact of behaviorism on the ABA.
Besides, we will start with the leaders of the field and follow their notable achievements.

First, the theoretical foundation of radical behaviorism will be provided, then it will be deconstructed,
and finally analyzed, thereby emphasizing its attempt to develop universal laws to explain all behavior.
The differences and characteristics of private and public events in radical behaviorism will be discussed,
as well as its emphasis on environmental explanations rather than mentalistic explanations. A
description of the attitudes, goals, and dimensions of Experimental Analysis of Behavior and Applied
Behavior Analysis are deconstructed, ending with an examination of how these areas are used to create
technology for changing socially important behavior.

Comparative Analysis of Behavior Analysis Branches: Unveiling Behaviorism, EAB, and ABA

Behavior analysis encompasses three principal branches: behaviorism, the Experimental Analysis of
Behavior (EAB), and the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Behaviorism as developed by John B. Watson
started with the method of observable behavior and disregarded mental processes study. Skinner’s
Verbal Behavior, an aspect of Skinner’s School of Thought, analyzed the verbal behavior, focusing on the
role of reinforcement and punishment in the shaping of behavior. ABA was developed by Ivar Lovaas
and it is a system that uses the principles of behavior analysis to real situations. The ultimate goal of ABA
is behavior change and improvement.

Behaviorism creates the foundation through setting the stage for more refined approaches such as EAB
and ABA by putting focus on observable behavior. EAB that takes a methodological approach
concentrates on the principles of behavior, which become the scientific basis of applied interventions.
ABA, starting from EAB, apply these principles to the reality, developing interventions aimed at the
change of socially significant behavior in individuals. Every branch of the field has its specific
contributions, with behaviorism being the theoretical backbone, EAB providing the experimental rigor,
and ABA translating those principles into practical methods of behavior change.

From Behaviorism to Applied Behavior Analysis: Evolutionary Perspectives Shaping a Natural Science
The historical and philosophical views of behaviorism have been in a state of flux and have contributed
greatly to the development of ABA as a natural science with a strong empirical base. Behaviorism, which
originated early 20th century with John B. Watson as a major figure, initially was concerned with the
observable components of behavior but deliberately excluded study of the mental processes. This
original form of behaviorism gave rise to the later development of ABA as it founded a principle of
empirical observation and a rejection of unobservable constructs.
The emergence of radical behaviorism, that was supported by B.F. Skinner, became a turning point in
the development of behaviorist philosophy, which, in turn, influenced the history of ABA. Skinner's
radical behaviorism assumes that all behaviors, including thinking and emotions, can be explained and
predicted by investigating external events and their impact on an individual's responses. The approach
highlights the significance of environmental forces in shaping behavior, adopting a contrary outlook that
excludes the internal, mentalistic explanations.

Skinner's focus on operant conditioning, reinforcement, as well as the principles of behavior analysis
was instrumental for the development of ABA. Applied Behavior Analysis has a scientific and practical
approach for which the major principles of behaviorism are used to solve real-world problems. As
observable and measurable behavior is a central tenet of behaviorism, the basis of ABA interventions is
laid down.

The first major impact of behaviorism on ABA is the importance given on functional assessment and
behavior analysis. The behaviorists, especially through the radical behaviorism, stressed the
identification of the functional relationship in behavior and its antecedents and consequences. ABA
practitioners are trained in functional assessments which help determine the environmental variables
that affect behavior and therefore, appropriate interventions can be designed.

Four Important Figures in Behavior Analysis and Their Contributions

John B. Watson

Contribution: John B. Watson, frequently named the founder of behaviorism, was one of the people
that contributed to the beginnings of behavior analysis. His influential paper, "Psychology as a
Behaviorist Views It" proved that only behavior could be studied and mental processes should be not
included. Watson's approach of behavioral investigation as a subject of scientific inquiry was the basis
for the behaviorism movement.

B.F. Skinner:

Contribution: B.F. Skinner is generally considered one of the most famous figures in behavior analysis.
He brought radical behaviorism into practice and introduced the notion of operant conditioning,
focusing on reinforcement as one of the main determinants of behavior. Skinner's ideas presented a
theoretical view of how the environment shapes behavior through contingencies, giving principles that
are the basis of ABA. His book, "Science and Human Behavior" is widely considered as one of the most
important books on the subject.

Ivar Lovaas

Contribution: Ivar Lovaas has been known as one of the leading figures in the progress of Applied
Behavior Analysis (ABA), especially in the area of autism intervention. In the 1960s, his seminal research
demonstrated that behavioral intervention techniques, like discrete trial training, can be used to
improve the behaviors and skills of persons with autism. Lovaas's research paved the way for early
intensive behavioral intervention for autism, which impacted the development of ABA as an evidence-
based therapy.

Murray Sidman
Contribution: In Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) and Behavioral Psychology, Murray Sidman
made a significant impact. He worked in stimulus equivalence and behavioral technology which provided
us with a greater insight into the complex relations between behaviors. Sidman's research in EAB
strongly supported behavioral principles and showed that behavior analysis can be applied in different
settings thus proving that the field is interdisciplinary.

Universal Laws of Behavior: Radical Behaviorism's Quest for a Comprehensive Understanding

Radical behaviorism, put forth by B.F. Skinner, attempts to develop a set of complete laws to
comprehend all behavior, covering both visible actions and internal processes such as thoughts and
feelings. This whole-system approach is based on the belief that behavior, be it public or private, can be
explained and anticipated through the analysis of the observable facts and their external causes. Several
key principles and concepts within radical behaviorism contribute to the overarching goal of establishing
universal laws for understanding behavior which includes:

Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is the key concept for behaviorism of radical type. Skinner claimed that our
behavior is determined by its consequences, rewards and punishments. Through the deliberate
manipulation of these aftermaths, people can be guided and governed. The principles of operant
conditioning represent an essential basis for the explanation how organisms learn and develop in
response to their environment, becoming a universal framework applicable to various types of behavior.

Environmental Determinism

Behaviorism which is radical, argues that behavior is caused by the environment and not by intellectual
explanations. Skinner sought to create a scientifically based behavioral science that is oriented on
external stimuli and observable responses and is objective, empirical, and devoid of speculative
constructs. The current commitment to environmental determinism, highlights the role of external
factors that influence behavior across different contexts and individuals, thus, contributing to the
development of universal laws.

Stimulus-Response Relationships

Skinner emphasized the idea that one should study the stimulus-response relationship. This
concentration on environmental events and behavioral actions results in the production of the universal
laws. By studying the ways that stimuli produce particular kinds of responses and how these responses
are governed by consequences, radical behaviorism identifies lawful relationships that are valid for all
kinds of behaviors and situations.

Distinguishing Dimensions: Radical Behaviorism's Analysis of Public and Private Events

Skinner, the behaviorism radicalist, put the distinction between public events – observable behaviors –
and private events – internal subjective experiences – in contrast. The notion of public events includes
anything expressly observable by an external observer, including physical actions and spoken speech,
among others. On the opposite side, private events represent thoughts, feelings, and sensations, that
are located inside the mind of an individual and which are not directly observed by other people. Radical
behaviorism recognizes the occurrence of events that are clandestine, but diverts the emphasis to a
functional analysis of these covert experiences. Contrary to the cognitive perspective which focuses on
the content of thoughts and emotions, radical behaviorism looks at the observable links between private
events, external stimuli, and behaviors. This approach seeks to uphold scientific objectivity and integrity
within behavior analysis. Radical behaviorism views private events in light of their function and their
connection to observable behavior and the environment. It strives to create a general set of principles
that are applicable universally to all forms of behavior without being bound by the traditional dualistic
distinction between mental processes and external actions.

Radical Behaviorism, Private vs. Public Events, and the Dichotomy of Mentalistic and Environmental
Explanations

The privacy of events Vs. public events observed in radical behaviorism is related to the division of
mentalistic and environmental explanations of behavior. Behaviorism in its radical form denies
mentalistic explanations and, therefore, puts emphasis on a scientific approach that focuses on
observable and measurable variables in the environment. The relationship between these distinctions
can be elucidated as follows:

Mentalistic Explanations

Definition: Mentalistic explanations imply that behavior is due to internal mental processes (for
example, thinking, emotion, or cognitive states) which are not directly observed.

Example: This is called the mentalistic explanation that is when we explain someone's actions based on
their internal mental states such as saying that they did something because they were anxious or they
had a certain thought.

Environmental Explanations

Definition: Environmental analysis, as applied by radical behaviorism, views behavior as a function of

external, observable factors in the environment, such as antecedents and consequences in the
environment.

Example: The behavior of individuals will be determined by the effect of stimuli, reinforcement, or
punishment in the surroundings of the individual, without resorting to unobservable mental states.

The separation of private and public events can be considered as a practical tool to treat the mentalistic
and environmental explanations as two different entities. Private mind explanations are often related to
the private events while environmental explanations are concerned with the observable aspects of
behavior and factors that influence it.

In the face of radical behaviorism denying all mentalistic explanations, environmental variables become
the core of what shapes the behavior. This emphasis corresponds with the principles of behavior
analysis in science, which is focused on objectivity, replicability, universal laws, and can be applied to
other behaviors. Through emphasizing on the observable external environment rather than the
unobservable mental states of individuals, radical behaviorism aims to develop a stringent and
operational science of behavior.

The Preference for Environmental Explanations in Radical Behaviorism

For radical behaviorists, the reason for behavior is found in environmental factors instead of mentalistic
constructions. This is where B.F. Skinner, the creator of radical behaviorism, emphasized the role of
scientific rigor and objectivity in behavior analysis. This emphasis is manifested in a strictly observational
stance that excludes unobservable mental states as explanatory entities and a strongly empirical
approach that is based on observable and measurable variables in the environment.

The radical behaviorism’s preference for environmentalist approach is based on several convincing
arguments. The approach agrees with the strict standards of empirical rigor and experimental methods
that are inherent to behavioral analysis. Environmental factors that are observable and measurable,
contribute to the ability of measuring and observing the stimulus, response, and consequence which
help to maintain the scientific nature of the field.

Second, the emphasis on the external, observable events in the environment makes the objectivity of
radical behaviorism possible. The mentalistic approach is avoided as it gives subjective and ambiguous
explanations. Hence, environmental factors become identifiable, measurable and manipulatable,
reinforcing the commitment to scientific objectivity.

Experimental Analysis of Behavior: Attitudes, Targets, and Components

Behavioral Analysis of Experiments, which is a major direction within behavior analysis, is guided by six
basic animal training principles. The mentioned ones are determinism, empiricism, experimentation,
replication, parsimony, and philosophic doubt. Behavior analysis as a science is intended to achieve the
goals of prediction, control, and understanding behavior. As a branch of EAB, Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA) also extends ABA by focusing on socially relevant behavior change. The seven characteristics that
define ABA including applied, behavioral, analytical, technological, conceptually systematic, effective,
and generalizability, are the criteria to evaluate the scientific and applied validity of behavior analytic
interventions.

Technology Development in Behavior Analysis

The behaviorist approach is characterized by a number of key elements such as attitude, goal, and
dimension that significantly impact the development of technology to facilitate socially significant
behavior changes. One of the strengths of EAB and ABA is that scientific rigor guarantees interventions
are underpinned by empirical evidence and subject to the systematic evaluation. The constructs of the
applied, technological, and effective dimension act as the cornerstone in the development of
interventions that effectively address behavioral problems in real world. Through the application of
these principles, behavior analysis becomes a useful science, generating tools that create a positive
change in one's life and community.

Conclusion

Conclusively, it is clear that this extensive look has been helpful in gaining a complete understanding of
behavior analysis, starting from behaviorism, through Experimental Analysis of Behavior, and ending up
with Applied Behavior Analysis. From the basic principles and methodologies of each branch to the
historical evolution of behaviorism and the development of radical behaviorism, we have been provided
with the picture of a changing behavior analytical landscape. Many key figures like Watson, Skinner,
Lovaas, and Sidman have made their contributions to the field and it is their name that has been written
in golden letters all over the area, contributing to the field’s theoretical richness and practical
applications. The separation between private and public events as well as the favoring of environmental
explanations, point at the scientific rigor of behavior analysis.