The essence of science lies not in the tools or materials scientists use, but in the behaviors, attitudes, and values they embrace. This mindset forms a collection of guiding assumptions that shape the work of all scientists, as first outlined by Baer, Wolf, and Risley in 1968. These foundational principles remain central to the practice of behavior analysis today.
Selectionism
Selectionism focuses on the idea that behavior is shaped through natural selection. Behaviors that produce advantageous outcomes become more prevalent over time, while those with less favorable consequences tend to fade. In behavior analysis, selectionism highlights the importance of understanding how reinforcement and environmental contingencies drive behavior change.
Determinism
Determinism holds that the universe operates according to predictable laws, meaning that all events, including behavior, have identifiable causes. This assumption forms the backbone of behavior analysis, suggesting that behaviors are lawful and can be understood by examining the antecedents and consequences that influence them.
Empiricism
Empiricism promotes the idea that knowledge should be acquired through objective observation and measurement. In behavior analysis, this principle emphasizes the need for verifiable and quantifiable data, ensuring that decisions and theories are grounded in empirical evidence rather than speculation.
Parsimony
Parsimony encourages simplicity in explanations. Behavior analysts are guided by this principle to favor the simplest explanation for a behavior, as long as it adequately accounts for the observed data. This approach ensures that complex or unnecessary interpretations are avoided, streamlining the understanding of behavior change.
Pragmatism
Pragmatism prioritizes practical, functional solutions to problems. In behavior analysis, pragmatism drives the emphasis on interventions that effectively modify behavior and improve individuals’ lives. The focus is on what works and how interventions can produce meaningful, real-world outcomes.
These core values—Selectionism, Determinism, Empiricism, Parsimony, and Pragmatism—continue to guide behavior analysts in their quest to understand and influence behavior. They ensure that the science remains practical, evidence-based, and focused on meaningful change.
