Some proposed relations among the domains of behavior analysis.

The authors drew a simple map of behavior analysis. They split the field into four linked parts: basic animal lab work, applied clinical work, everyday service delivery, and the philosophy called radical behaviorism.

The paper is conceptual. No new data were collected. The goal was to show trainers where each part starts and stops so coursework can line up with real jobs.

They found that the four parts form a straight line. Skills move from rat lab discoveries to clinic protocols to community programs while the same philosophy guides each step.

When teachers keep the parts clear, students know why they study pigeons, how that shapes DTT manuals, and when to lean on Skinner’s philosophy during team meetings.

Fields et al. (1991) tried a similar merge earlier. They linked two philosophies—radical and paradigmatic behaviorism—to explain rule-governed behavior. Madden et al. (2003) widened the lens to the whole field, not just rules.

Mace (1994) asked for tighter basic-to-applied translation. The 2003 map answers that call by drawing EAB and ABA as next-door neighbors on the same line.

Lattal et al. (2022) extends the idea to animal training. They insist dog trainers test claims against basic EAB findings, showing the continuum works outside human services.

Contreras et al. (2022) operationalize the line for ethics. They use the evidence-based practice triangle at each step, turning the map into a daily decision tool.

Use the four-part line as a course planner. Put philosophy first, then basic principles, then applied tactics, then community goals. When staff ask why they must read Skinner before running DTT, point to the map: the same reinforcement law travels from pigeon to person to policy. Keeping the order straight keeps your training program coherent and your supervisees confident.