Final answer:
The major obstacle behavior analysts face is resistance to change, derived from an understanding of human nature and societal pressures. Education reforms focus on altering incentives rather than merely increasing budgets, while government can encourage research and development through various supportive measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major obstacle behavior analysts face, according to the authors referenced in the student's question and agreeing with Skinner's perspective, is resistance to change. This concept aligns with broader themes in social reform and education where individuals and institutions show a tendency to maintain the status quo due to various innate and societal pressures. It intersects with the notion that individuals can have incentives that may be harmful, or that the transaction and conformity costs experienced by individuals within a society or institution can be too high, which in turn breeds resistance to altering existing behaviors or systems. When looking at education reform, many experts have advocated for changing the incentives U.S. schools face. Some ways in which incentives for schools might be altered include performance-based funding, increased accountability measures for student achievement, and school choice programs. The emphasis on incentives over increased budgets stems from the understanding that simply adding more money to the existing system does not directly address the root causes of educational inadequacies or encourage improved performance and innovation. In a broader discussion on fostering societal progress, like encouraging research and development, the government can play a significant role. Steps the government can take include providing tax incentives, investing in basic research, creating grants and scholarships, and easing regulatory burdens for researchers and developers to stimulate growth and innovation in various fields.