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Experimental analysis of individual differences and personality.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|November 1, 1984
Summary
Individual differences in psychological studies can be addressed by studying subjects directly, not just through large groups or statistical controls. This behavior-analytic approach reveals underlying variables influencing unique response patterns.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Individual differences in psychological studies often introduce variability, masking true effects.
- Current methods to reduce variability include large sample sizes with statistical analysis or intensive individual subject studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Advocates for the direct investigation of individual differences and personality.
- Promotes the behavior-analytic method as superior for identifying variables causing individual variations.
Main Methods:
- Contrasts indirect study via experimental controls with direct study of individual subjects.
- Presents data demonstrating orderly characteristics in individual response patterns.
Main Results:
- Individual differences in response patterns exhibit predictable, orderly characteristics.
- The behavior-analytic approach allows for the identification of variables responsible for individual differences.
Conclusions:
- Directly studying individual differences and personality is scientifically advantageous.
- Extending experimental analysis of behavior to individual differences will foster scientific growth in behavior analysis.
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