An Interview with Bob Bailey

Description

In an interview with Bob Bailey, a notable figure in behavior analysis, he discusses his unconventional journey into the field, starting as a chemist and biologist with a fascination for animal behavior. Despite not being a psychologist by training, Bailey became deeply involved in studying and training animals, initially in the wild and later in controlled environments. He recounts his unexpected role as the first Director of Training for the US Navy Dolphin Program and his work with the Brelands, who significantly advanced his understanding of animal training. Bailey emphasizes the importance of data collection and experimental design in improving training efficiency, and laments the loss of valuable data in a fire during the 1980s. He reflects on his career, highlighting his efforts to pass on accurate information and the development of techniques like the “Keep going signal,” which enhances training precision. Bailey notes the evolution of behavior analysis, becoming more open to outside ideas and recognizing the complexity of animal behavior beyond controlled environments. He advocates for collaboration between academicians and practitioners, emphasizing the need for more research in stimulus control and simplifying training methods. Bailey concludes by encouraging future behavior analysts and animal trainers to embrace a scientific approach, be adaptable, and integrate knowledge from various disciplines to advance the field.