Maurice

The scientist-practitioner model of practice is founded on the tenets of the existence of a
connection between basic and applied research and a psychologist’s practice in real life (LeJeune
& Luoma, 2015). Thus, psychologists are not only trained to utilize existing research and
knowledge in their area of practice but also to produce knowledge through their own research as
they practice. The emphasis is on determining the effectiveness of therapeutic procedures by
coming up with cause-effect conclusions pertaining to those procedures through the modification
of specific behavior problems. Based on this, there exist certain commonalities between the
model and applied behavior analysis, which emphasizes observable behaviors and the use of
experimental designs to test behavioral techniques and their effectiveness in bringing about
behavior change (Sham & Smith, 2014).
Experimental manipulation is common in applied behavior analysis, and it is aimed at
establishing the relationship between antecedents and behavior through using data-driven
approaches. The independent variable is manipulated, and the dependent variable is measured in
what ABA terms as single-subject experimental designs. Behavior analysts use experimental
designs to establish the connection between behavioral problems and specific interventions being
utilized. Behavior analysts are able to easily integrate research and practice. In the scientist-
practitioner model of practice, psychologists are allowed the freedom to integrate research and
practice without the bureaucracy of first taking their researches to committees for approval
(LeJeune & Luoma, 2015). Both the model and ABA advocate and allow for independent
practice and research where professionals can come up with case-specific interventions
depending on their analysis of the client’s needs.

Further, having an integrated clinical research-practice creates the potential for enhanced
clinical practice. The research methodology applied in applied behavior analysis provides a clear
path for behavior analysts to engage in research. It allows for the manipulation and measurement
of variables. Behavior analysts collect data on individual clients, and they can conduct a visual
inspection and conduct studies using single subjects. Normally, research entails a number of
subjects for validity, reliability as well as replicability issues. However, in applied behavior
analysis, professionals are allowed to carry researches that involve one subject. This encourages
research because it is easy to analyze data on one participant. The data is easily replicable
because it is used to help select suitable interventions for individual clients after data analysis.
Also, behavior analysts do not have to limit their interventions or associate them with
conclusions to already conducted research. Thus, it allows for professional exploration and
improvement as behavior analysts have a certain degree of independence in their practice.

References

LeJeune, J. T., & Luoma, J. B. (2015). The integrated scientist-practitioner: A new model for
combining research and clinical practice in fee-for-service settings. Professional
Psychology: Research and Practice, 46, 421–428.
Sham, E., & Smith, T. (2014). Publication bias in studies of an applied behavior-analytic
intervention: An initial analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47(3), 663-678.
doi:10.1002/jaba.146 Tincani, M. & Travers J.C. (2017). Publishing single-case research
design studies that do not demonstrate experimental control. Remedial and Special
Education, 39(2) 118-128. doi 10.1177/0741932517697447