A Survey of the Current State of the Scientist-Practitioner Model in Applied Behavior Analysis

The scientist practitioner model (SPM) or "Boulder Model" emphasizes training in research methods and the application of research findings to solving clinical problems. Within the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA), the scientist-practitioner model (SPM) is an integral component of the field. However, there are no data to report on the current state of the SPM within our field. A survey was administered among current Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to evaluate the current state of the SPM and research productivity. We also evaluated BCBA's motivations for research involvement, the number of publications per respondent, and other important variables impacting research productivity. Overall, results indicate that the majority of respondents adhere to the SPM despite the lack of high research productivity. Suggestions on bridging the gap and possible future directions are discussed.