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A Call to Action for Qualitative Behavior Analysis
Victoria Burney1, Ebonee Hodder1, Clare M McCann1
1School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Behavior Analysis in Practice
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Qualitative behavior analysis is increasingly necessary, offering a distinct approach within behaviorism. This article proposes its integration and value to address current challenges in behavior analysis.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Behavior Analysis
- Behaviorism
Background:
- Multiple changes within and outside behavior analysis necessitate new approaches.
- Existing frameworks may not fully address complex behavioral phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the need for qualitative behavior analysis (QBA) as a distinct field.
- To explore the potential role and applications of QBA within behavior analysis.
- To discuss QBA's consistency with radical behaviorism and its unique contributions.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of behaviorism and behavior analysis.
- Exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative methods in behavior science.
- Discussion of how QBA aligns with or diverges from existing behavior analytic principles.
Main Results:
- QBA is presented as a warranted, useful, and necessary branch of behaviorism.
- An outline for integrating QBA into the broader behavior analytic field is provided.
- Arguments for QBA's consistency with radical behaviorism are discussed, alongside its unique tenets.
Conclusions:
- A distinct qualitative behavior analysis branch is strongly advocated for.
- QBA offers potential value and solutions to significant issues facing behavior analysis.
- The field is invited to discuss and consider the integration of QBA.
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