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Commit Heresy: Stop Using "Contingency".

Alan Poling1, Anita Li1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 USA.

Behavior Analysis in Practice
|April 2, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Behavior analysts should abandon the term "contingency" due to inconsistent definitions and vernacular discrepancies. This change aims to reduce jargon and improve clarity in behavioral science research and practice.

Keywords:
ContingencyJargonPublic perceptionTerminology

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral science
  • Psychology
  • Behavior analysis

Background:

  • The term "contingency" is frequently used in behavior analysis.
  • Current usage is inconsistent with the vernacular definition.
  • Definitions within behavior analysis are also inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To advocate for the discontinuation of the term "contingency" in behavior analysis.
  • To reduce jargon and potential confusion in the field.
  • To promote clearer communication regarding stimulus-response relations.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of the term "contingency" in behavior analysis literature.
  • Comparison of vernacular and technical definitions.
  • Argument for terminological reform.

Main Results:

  • The term "contingency" lacks a consistent definition among behavior analysts.
  • Usage varies, referring to diverse stimulus-response relationships.
  • Discrepancies exist between technical and common language use.

Conclusions:

  • Behavior analysts should cease using the term "contingency".
  • Adopting alternative terminology will enhance clarity.
  • Simplifying language benefits scientific communication and practice.