Epistemology of Behavior: A Timeline

S-R relations were the predominant explanation of behavior by early researchers, such as Ivan Pavlov. This approach showed that behaviors of whole organisms could be elicited by environmental stimuli. This was an account of reflex behaviors.

Thorndike's law of Effect emphasized the consequences of the behavior. This was in stark contrast to beliefs of behavior being controlled by S-R relations. Thorndike suggested that consequences might be responsible for some S-R reflexes as well. His views were greatly influential on psychology at the time and may have contributed to Skinner's later uncovering of S-R-S operant behavior.

Characterized by the S-R causation, rejected introspection, relied on observable behavior.

A proponent of reflexology, Watson viewed behavior as lawful, and within the scope of scientific investigation. He rejected introspection insisting that such mental states should be discounted until better tools are developed for their objective investigation.

Following S-O-R neobehaviorism, Toleman's research with rats in mazes uncovered a phenomenon by which rats learned maze navigation spontaneously. Toleman accounted for this with the theoretical construct of cognitive maps.

Pioneered by Woodworth, this approach expanded classical S-R behaviorism to better account for variability and spontaneity thru mediation by organic states. Constructs such as drive and attitude were considered to mediate between environment and behavior.

Follows S-O-R mediational neobehaviorism. Developed from inadequacies in classical behaviorism's ability to explain complex behavior, variability, and spontaneity.
Methodological behaviorism followed dualism perspectives with the mental being separate from the behavioral dimension. It looked to a mechanistic view of cause.

The experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) conducts basic research to derive principles of behavior. This is characterized by research in a laboratory setting, typically with non-human animals. This domain continues to inform psychology to this day.

This approach to behaviorism rejected dualism, held that private events are controlled by the same environmental contingencies affecting public events, and described ways in which private events could be made objective ant appropriate for scientific study. Radical behaviorism focuses on S-R-S operant behaviors and is the philosophy underlying behavior analysis.

Applied Behavior Analysis conducts applied research to solve problems targeting socially significant behaviors. This can be completed within settings such as clinics, classrooms, and naturally occurring contexts. Research from applied behavior analysis informs service delivery to improve socially significant behavior in clients.