What Are We Doing When We Translate from Quantitative Models?

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Issue Date
2009-09-01Author
Critchfield, Thomas S.
Reed, Derek D.
Publisher
ABAI: Association for Behavior Analysis International
Type
Article
Article Version
Scholarly/refereed, publisher version
Published Version
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2778815/Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Although quantitative analysis (in which behavior principles are defined in terms of equations) has become common in basic behavior analysis, translational efforts often examine everyday events through the lens of narrative versions of laboratory-derived principles. This approach to translation, although useful, is incomplete because equations may convey concepts that are difficult to capture in words. To support this point, we provide a nontechnical introduction to selected aspects of quantitative analysis; consider some issues that translational investigators (and, potentially, practitioners) confront when attempting to translate from quantitative models; and discuss examples of relevant translational studies. We conclude that, where behavior-science translation is concerned, the quantitative features of quantitative models cannot be ignored without sacrificing conceptual precision, scientific and practical insights, and the capacity of the basic and applied wings of behavior analysis to communicate effectively.
Description
This is the published version, reproduced here with permission from the publisher. This article is also available electronically from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2778815/.
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Citation
Critchfield, Thomas S.; Reed, Derek D. (2009). "What Are We Doing When We Translate from Quantitative Models?" The Behavior Analyst, 32(2):339-362. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2778815/.
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