A conceptual analysis of the problem of the relationships between basic research and applied psychology: the examples of Experimental and Applied behavior analysis

Abstract

The use of Wittgentstein”s conceptual analysis shows that the problem of the relationships between basic and applied research in Psychology has been focused as anissue of direct extrapolation from scientific knowledge to the solution ofbehavioural problems and that this is not an adequate approach. Results of conceptual analysis allow us to reformulate the question, recognizing that: a) in the case of psychology, three modes of knowledge can be identified; b) these modes are relatively independent in their objetives and contexts; c) the use of natural language allows continuous interaction between them. The three modes of knowledge are described and the example of experimental and applied behaviour analyses is discussed. The conceptual analysis shows that both fields reproduce the direct extrapolation fron scientific knowledge to behavioural technology logic and that they are relatively isolated domains with only nominal mutual communication. Ways of solving the problem, following this reformulation, are presented.