Cognitive vs. contextual causation: different world views but perhaps not irreconcilable

In this commentary, we address some of the divisive issues between cognitive theorists and behavior analysts concerning the aims and goals of science and differing views of causality. We suggest that evidence for the causal status of cognition has been inconclusive, largely due to the fact that most of this research can be framed in terms of environmental causes. We examine (1) what we can consider as causes of behavior and (2) how we can manipulate these causes in therapy. We conclude that a rapprochement between cognitivists and behavior analysts will require more careful description of the multiple causal pathways responsible for experimental and therapeutic effects.