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| Skepticism, Behavior Analysis, and Magic |
| Monday, May 31, 2004 |
| 10:30 AM–11:50 AM |
| Dalton |
| Area: PRA; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Edward K. Morris (University of Kansas) |
| Abstract: . |
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| Behavior Analysis and "Voodoo Science" |
| GINA GREEN (Private Practice) |
| Abstract: Physicist Robert Park recently noted that “voodoo science” – encompassing pseudoscience, junk science, and pathological science – pervades modern society. Like all scientific disciplines, behavior analysis is vulnerable to contamination by “voodoo science.” Fortunately, behavior analysis offers many tools for combating that threat. This paper discusses actual and potential applications of behavior analytic methods to “voodoo science” practices arising both within and outside of the discipline. |
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| Psychology on the Edge |
| HENRY D. SCHLINGER (California State University, Northridge) |
| Abstract: Edge (http://www.edge.org/) is a non-profit foundation created by self-described visionary and agent to some of the best-known science writers, John Brockman. Edge promotes “inquiry into and discussion of intellectual, philosophical, artistic, and literary issues,” by supporting “those scientists and other thinkers in the empirical world” -- the so-called third culture – “who, through their work and expository writing, are taking the place of the traditional intellectual in rendering visible the deeper meanings of our lives, redefining who and what we are. They include Richard Dawkins, Paul Davies, the late Stephen Jay Gould and, for the purpose of this talk, several philosophers and psychologists. Many of these authors write about mind and consciousness and their evolution in books with titles such as How The Mind Works, The Mind’s I, Kinds of Minds, The Maladapted Mind, Mindblindness, and Wild Minds. What science there is, is not typically the experimental, inductive, conceptually clear science behavior analysts are accustomed to, but rather a rational, deductive approach filled with mentalistic concepts and sold not so much on its experimental laurels as on the persuasiveness of the writing. In this talk I present a skeptical analysis of this psychology on the Edge. |
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| Skepticism and the Advancement of Behavior Analysis |
| STUART A. VYSE (Connecticut College) |
| Abstract: There is a natural connection between skepticism, a movement that promotes science in opposition to non-scientific or pseudoscientific ideas, and behavior analysis, arguably the most scientific of approaches to behavior. Neither group has been able to control the public dialogue in their respective fields. Despite the efforts of skeptics, belief in the paranormal and other non-scientific ideas persist and, by some measures, are gaining in popularity. Similarly, although it remains an important segment of the larger discipline of psychology, behavior analysis is no longer the dominant view in the field of psychology. Like the larger culture, mainstream psychologists frequently promote non-scientific theories and practices. Nonetheless, the skeptical movement and behavior analysis make a natural pairing that may strengthen both. This talk will consider strategies for promoting behavior analysis, several of which involve collaboration with the skeptical movement. |
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| The Naturalistic Basis of Magic |
| JOSEPH E. MORROW (Applied Behavior Consultants) |
| Abstract: This talk will expose the naturalistic basis of alleged supernatural events from Kreskin to Copperfield. A distinction will be made between entertainers who claim supernatural powers and those who are simply very clever performers. The talk will end with some demonstrations of “magic.” |
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