| Sumario: | The author reviews three texts that define the state of the art of what is referred to as 'scientific practice,' with emphasis on single-case studies and the measurement of the components of practice. The research model presented in these books is generated by a behavioral philosophy. This article raises questions about whether research and practice purposes and processes are identical and why practice must be specific. Practice may be rigorous, exacting, and methodical, but it should not try to reduce clients and their environments to measurable units, thus ignoring the uniqueness of the individual and complexity of a case. Variables should be viewed as connected and the goal as changing the environment rather that the client's behavior. The author stresses a need for research emphasis on developing substantive knowledge to better understand what practice is about.
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