CONTINGENCY AND BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS

The concept of contingency is central to theoretical discussions of le arned behavior and in the application of learning research to problems of social significance. This paper reviews three aspects of the conti ngency concept as it has been developed by behavior analysts. The firs t is the empirical analysis of contingency through experimental studie s of both human and nonhuman behavior. The second is the synthesis of experimental studies in theoretical and conceptual frameworks to yield a more general account of contingency and to integrate the concept wi th other behavioral processes. The third aspect is one of practical co nsiderations in the application of the contingency concept in both lab oratory and applied settings.