The experimental analysis of behavior (EAB)

The experimental analysis of behavior (EAB), applied behavior analysis (ABA), and Professional Practice guided by behavior analysis are three of the branches of the science of behavior and its application. (The fourth branch is the philosophy of Radical Behaviorism.) Each of these branches has different goals, but they complement one another in the study and application of behavioral principles. Use the following scenario to discuss the differences in these three branches.

Consider the following scenario: A researcher is conducting a study on the effects of delayed reinforcers (in the form of food pellets) on the rate of lever pressing by rats. She wants to know if food presented immediately after the rat presses the lever produces higher rates of lever pressing than when food is delayed by 5 seconds or 10 seconds following the lever press. She is conducting this study to provide data to support general principles of delayed reinforcement. Her results show that the longer the delay is to the presentation of food following the lever pressing, the lower the rate of pressing by the rats. In other words, the immediate delivery of reinforcers produces the most lever pressing, and the delayed reinforcement produces lower rates of lever pressing. 

Write a short paragraph to answer the following questions: 

What are 2-3 of the main differences in the branches of EAB, ABA, and Professional Practice of behavior analysis? 

Which branch most closely relates to the scenario described above and why? 

1. How could the topic of delayed reinforcement and the findings discussed in the scenario above be relevant and useful in either one of the other two branches? Pick one to discuss. (Hint: In what type of scenario might an applied behavior analyst test the effects of immediate or delayed reinforcement? How might a professional use research findings about the effects of delayed reinforcement when they treat a client with problem behavior?)