Distinguishing between applied research and practice.
Treat research and clinical service as separate tasks to protect both quality and ethics.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Evenhuis (1996) wrote a short think-piece for The Behavior Analyst.
The paper says we should treat applied research and day-to-day service as two different jobs.
No new data were collected; the goal was to sharpen how we train and supervise.
What they found
The author found that mixing research duties with billable hours hurts both.
Studies get weak designs because staff must also run therapy.
Trainees get confused about whether they are scientists or clinicians.
How this fits with other research
Elsmore et al. (1994) came first. They told clinicians to match basic-research findings to client problems. Evenhuis (1996) flips the lens: keep the two worlds apart so each can thrive.
Walmsley et al. (2019) picked up the baton. They give a four-tactic checklist for judging non-behavioral tools. The checklist only makes sense once you first decide that research review is a separate task from direct care.
van Haaren et al. (2013) echo the rigor theme. Their pharmacology guidelines show that clearer methods emerge when a study is planned as pure research, not as a side gig between therapy sessions.
Why it matters
If you supervise RBTs or BCBA candidates, spell out which hat they are wearing.
When the goal is data collection, write a protocol, remove therapy contingencies, and track IOA like a lab study.
When the goal is payment and parent happiness, drop the clipboard and just teach.
Separating the two roles keeps your science clean and your clients safe.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Behavior-analytic research is often viewed along a basic-applied continuum of research goals and methods. The applied portion of this continuum has evolved in ways that combine applied research and service delivery. Although these two facets of applied behavior analysis should be closely related, more clearly distinguishing between them, particularly in how we conceptualize and conduct applied research, may enhance the continuing development of each. This differentiation may improve the recruitment and training of graduate students.
The Behavior analyst, 1996 · doi:10.1007/BF03392737