In recent years, the Open Science Framework (OSF) has been making waves in various scientific fields, from psychology to education. But what does it mean for applied behavior analysis (ABA), a discipline known for its systematic approach to behavior change? Assistant Professor Art Dowdy, who teaches in Temple University's College of Education and Human Development ABA and special education programs, explores how the principles of open science are beginning to shape the future of the research field.  

Dowdy noted that OSF is a relatively new development in ABA. This recent adoption comes in response to a broader issue facing the scientific community—a replication crisis. According to Dowdy, the need for transparency and the ability to replicate studies has become increasingly important and has been a flourishing topic in the research field.  

Transparency is a central tenet of OSF, and Dowdy emphasized its importance in building credibility. "The more transparent we can be, the further we validate our findings," he said. By sharing data collection techniques, study materials and even code, researchers can ensure that their work is not only rigorous but also replicable. This transparency allows other teams to build upon existing research, fostering a collaborative environment that accelerates the advancement of ABA.

So, what exactly is OSF, and why is it important? OSF is a platform designed to improve transparency, accessibility and collaboration of scientific research. In ABA, it's still finding its footing, but it has the potential to transform the way behavior analysts conduct and share their work. Dowdy explained that one key benefit of OSF is making research more accessible to clinicians in the field. "It's an effective way to bridge the research-to-practice gap," he noted.  

Clinicians are able to observe and implement interventions more easily by accessing the framework that is open for the general public to view. While OSF is gaining traction, it's not yet a "centerpiece" within the field, but the framework is moving in the right direction. Imagine multiple universities running the same study simultaneously, sharing data and results in real-time. According to Dowdy, "With greater transparency, research teams have access to more data and materials."

Sharing an example from his own experience and work, Dowdy said, "I've had situations where other researchers contacted me about protocols I used in studies. They were able to access the entire intervention through OSF and apply it to their own practice. That's the beauty of it—it's bridging research to practice in a direct, tangible way."

However, like any new initiative, OSF comes with challenges. For early-career researchers, the time commitment to ensure transparency can be significant. "It's an additional layer of rigor that can pull you away from other work," Dowdy acknowledged. Despite the challenges, he said he believes that the long-term benefits, like receiving detailed feedback on coding or analysis, far outweigh the initial investment. Another challenge that is discussed within OSF is balancing open data practices with client confidentiality—particularly when working with vulnerable populations. Especially for ABA, the field often deals with sensitive information, and ensuring the anonymity of participants is crucial. Dowdy explained that pseudonyms and thoughtful consent processes are vital in protecting client confidentiality while still promoting data sharing. "It's something we need to continuously reevaluate as we move forward with more open science practices" he said.

As the field moves towards greater transparency, graduate training programs in ABA are evolving as well. For example, Dowdy shared that Temple's ASPIRE grant, a training initiative for future leaders in special education, is already aligning itself with the core tenets of open science. So, what advice does Dowdy have for students and early-career researchers interested in OSF? "Always lean into transparency," he said. "The more you can make available, the more credible your work will be, and the more people will be able to build upon it."  

He believes that while there is still room for growth—particularly in integrating OSF with single-case experimental design, which is commonly used in ABA—the potential is immense. "We need to pay close attention to how open science coalesces with our unique research designs," he said.  

In a field that prides itself on evidence-based practice, OSF offers an exciting opportunity to enhance transparency, foster collaboration, and ultimately bridge the gap between research and practice within ABA.  

Learn more about OSF at https://osf.io/.