Association for Behavior Analysis International

The research-to-practice gap is prevalent across many fields. The goal of the scientist-practitioner model (SPM) in applied behavior analysis (ABA) is to produce and improve meaningful clinical outcomes through an empirical and scientific worldview based on the defining principles of ABA (Dorsey & Harper, 2018; Weiss 2018). Weiss (2018) argues that the best practitioners in behavior analysis are excellent scientists. Sidman (2011) acknowledged that applied problems may differ from those in the laboratory; however, understanding basic research methodology and its relation to practical problems will contribute to more significant therapeutic outcomes in practice. Shawler et al. (2018) indicated that most survey respondents reported adhering to the SPM, regardless of high research productivity. This outcome reflects the differing contingencies that may exist for scientists compared to practitioners. One solution to bridge this gap is for practitioners to conduct more applied research. However, despite practitioners reporting they find conducting research to be important, many barriers to integrating research into applied settings have been reported (Valentino & Juanico, 2020). The current panel will describe the current state of SPM within the field of ABA. Suggestions on bridging the gap and implications for conducting applied research in everyday practice will be discussed.

knowledge of research methodology; knowledge of principles of behavior; application of behavior analytic principles in practice