Open AccessRules of Conduct for Behavior Analysts in the Presence of Hypothetical Constructs: A Commentary on Eckard and Lattal (2020)
Author(s) -
Armando Machado,
Paulo Guilhardi,
Marcelo S. Caetano,
Francisco J. Silva
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
perspectives on behavior science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 2520-8977
pISSN - 2520-8969
DOI - 10.1007/s40614-020-00272-w
Subject(s) - epistemology , contrast (vision) , selection (genetic algorithm) , variation (astronomy) , computer science , psychology , control (management) , cognitive science , management science , artificial intelligence , economics , philosophy , astrophysics , physics
Eckard and Lattal (2020) summarized the behavioristic view of hypothetical constructs and theories, and then, in a novel and timely manner, applied this view to a critique of internal clock models of temporal control. In our three-part commentary, we aim to contribute to the authors' discussion by first expanding upon their view of the positive contributions afforded by constructs and theories. We then refine and question their view of the perils of reifying constructs and assigning them causal properties. Finally, we suggest to behavior analysts four rules of conduct for dealing with mediational theories: tolerate constructs proposed with sufficient reason; consider them seriously, both empirically and conceptually; develop alternative, behavior-analytic models with overlapping empirical domains; and contrast the various models. Through variation and selection, behavioral science will evolve.