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Functional relations and cognitive psychology: Lessons from human performance and animal research
Robert W Proctor1, Peter J Urcuioli1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
Summary
Effective interdisciplinary communication requires understanding that functional relationships are already integrated within cognitive psychology, not separate domains needing connection. Broadening the scope of functional contextualism advances cognitive and behavioral science and practice.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Interdisciplinary Communication
Background:
- The abstract examines the concept of "building bridges" between functional and cognitive psychology.
- It questions the feasibility of connecting radical behaviorism or functional contextualism directly with cognitive psychology.
- It proposes that functional relationships are already integral to cognitive theory, negating the need for new connections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the requirements for effective interdisciplinary communication between different psychological approaches.
- To re-evaluate the metaphor of "building bridges" in the context of functional and cognitive psychology.
- To challenge the notion that the functional approach uniquely bridges science and practice.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of interdisciplinary communication requirements.
- Interpretation of the "building bridges" metaphor in psychology.
- Illustration using examples from human performance and animal research.
Main Results:
- Directly connecting radical behaviorism or functional contextualism to cognitive psychology is unlikely to succeed.
- Functional relationships are already embedded within cognitive psychology, requiring no new construction.
- The functional approach is not unique in its ability to link science and practice.
Conclusions:
- Effective interdisciplinary communication hinges on recognizing existing integrations rather than forced connections.
- Expanding the goals of functional contextualism to encompass all cognitive and behavioral science is crucial.
- This broader perspective enhances communication and the advancement of the field.
Keywords:
Behaviour analysisContextual behavioural scienceFunctional contextualismHuman performanceRadical behaviourismMore Related Videos
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