Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Also called: EAB, basic research
Definition
The basic-research branch of behavior analysis. It studies the principles of behavior themselves, often under highly controlled laboratory conditions and with nonhuman subjects, and is not concerned with whether a particular behavior is important to anyone's life.
In plain language
The lab side of the science. It studies how behavior works in general, not how to help one person.
Example
Pigeons peck a key under different schedules of reinforcement so researchers can map the response patterns each schedule produces.
Not experimental analysis of behavior
Teaching a child to tie shoes and measuring progress. The goal is a socially important change, which makes this applied work.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- skinner-1953
- ferster-skinner-1957
Written from Skinner (1953) and Ferster and Skinner (1957) as the founding basic-research program. No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.