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- Title
ABA and PBS: The Dangers in Creating Artificial Dichotomies in Behavioral Intervention.
- Authors
Weiss, Mary Jane; DelPizzo-Cheng, Eliza; LaRue, Robert H.; Sloman, Kimberly
- Abstract
In recent years, there has been a great deal of controversy regarding the definition and independence of Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) within the context of behavioral intervention. Specifically, behavior analysts have argued over whether PBS is subsumed within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or whether it can be considered a separate discipline. Proponents of separatism have cited PBS's emphasis on quality of life, normalization and consumer choice. Proponents of integration have noted that the science of behavior underlies all of ABA and PBS, that PBS can be considered an evolution of the field of ABA, and that philosophical differences should not obscure science and history. In this article, the dangers of divergence beyond such philosophical debate are discussed. In addition, the ramifications of divergence for consumers and other stakeholders are reviewed. The authors note that goals are less likely to be achieved in the climate of divisiveness, and urge behavior analysts to consider the benefits of an expanded and unified definition of our science.
- Subjects
BEHAVIORAL assessment; HUMAN behavior; PREFERENCES (Philosophy); BEHAVIOR analysts; DIFFERENCES
- Publication
Behavior Analyst Today, 2009, Vol 10, Issue 3/4, p428
- ISSN
1539-4352
- Publication type
Article