What’s in a name? Is the science of learning identical to behavior analysis?

ABSTRACT

It is the contention of this paper that the study of learning should be called the science of learning and variation. It is further contended that this science overlaps with behavior analysis but is not synonymous with behavior analysis. Drawing from the example of genetics, this paper outlines why variation should be included in the study of learning and suggests a process by which a succinct name for this science that does not carry excess baggage might be generated. Following that process, the candidate name leornetics is proposed to encompass the study of learning and variation. Examples of how such a name could be useful are also discussed. It is important to note that raising the issue of naming the study of learning and variation does not imply that current names for other aspects of behavioral science (e.g., behavior analysis, behavioral psychology, and behaviorism) should be abandoned or changed.

KEYWORDS:

• Naming
• learning
• variation
• genetics
• epigenetics
• environmental variables
• ontogenetic variables

Acknowledgment

I thank Dr James F. Hare, Professor and Associate Head, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, for his extremely helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. I thank Dr C. Michael Sampson of the Department of Classics, University of Manitoba, for generously taking the time to provide me with the information needed for this part of the paper and for his extremely helpful discussions of this material.