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Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis
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Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis


February 2002 | 280 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

This very practical, how-to text provides the beginning researcher with the basics of applied behavior analysis research methods. In 10 logical steps, this text covers all of the elements of single-subject research design and it provides practical information for designing, implementing, and evaluating studies. Using a pocketbook format, the authors provide novice researcher with a "steps-for-success" approach that is brief, to-the-point, and clearly delineated. 


 
PART I: WHAT IS APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS RESEARCH?
 
PART II: RESEARCH METHODS IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS: PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR THE NEW RESEARCHER
 
Step 1: Select Your General Topic, Find a Good Setting & Choose Appropriate Participants
 
Step 2: Narrow Down Your Research Question
 
Step 3: Decide on Your Dependent & Independent Variables
 
Step 4: Establish Social Validity
 
Step 5: Create Your Data Collection Systems
 
Step 6: Pilot Test Your Key Variables
 
Step 7: Identify the Appropriate Research Design
 
Step 8: Conduct an Ethics Check
 
Step 9: Carry Out Your Research Project: A Daily & Weekly Checklist for Success / Step
 
Step 10: Analyze & Graph Your Data
 
PART III: GOING PUBLIC
 
References
 
Index

"The topic is timely and the writing style is pragmatic and user-friendly. The field needs an updated book on research methods."

Pamela G. Osnes
University of South Florida

"There is a definite need for a ‘how to’ book such as this to train behavior analysts…The authors have a very thorough and understandable approach to the topics. They include lots of examples and everyday insights and practical tips that are valuable to new researchers…The strength of this book seems to be in the authors’ experience and sharing of practical advice to readers." 

Don Patterson
Jacksonville State University

"I like the conversational style, and I think my students would enjoy reading this book…There is no other how-to text on this topic. I think it will make a useful and much-needed addition to the behavioral textbook market." 

Jennifer Austin
University of South Florida

I'm teaching a research course including single subject design.

Professor Carol Fiorile
Special Education and Literacy, Long Island Univ-C W Post
November 10, 2022

Research methods in applied behavior analysis introduces the reader to behaviour analysis and its purpose: to produce empirically tested treatments and interventions which have been shown to help modify an individual's behaviour. This text covers good research design practices and methods used in applied behaviour analysis. The research design section consists of 10 steps which the reader can use when planning out their research project and covers topics such as: choosing a research topic to research, developing research questions using literature searches, identifying dependent and independent variables, establishing validity in research, selecting an appropriate data collection system, pilot and testing variables for accuracy, ethical issues in conducting social research and presenting and publishing research findings. This book is recommended reading for researchers and students conducting social research or social-psycho research related to behavior in individuals. This text is well written in terms of the language being accessible to researchers and students new to this topic, or field and provides a useful research project check list as a guide to help the reader follow good practices in social research.

Mr Gary McKenna
School of Computing, University of the West of Scotland
May 1, 2012
Key features
  • Pedagogical devices in the form of a "How to Use This Book" section at the end of the first chapter, chapter-opening lists of Main Topics and Learning Objectives, key terms bolded in text, and a format that includes lists of procedures, cautions, steps, etc., clearly guide novice researchers each step of the way through a project.
  • Step Eight details how to conduct an ethics check, introducing students to Behavior Analyst Certification Board Guidelines for Responsible Conduct, the ins and outs of an institutional review board, and more.
  • Step Nine includes both daily and weekly "Checklists for Success" to help students keep on track with a research project using convenient at-a-glance checklists.

 

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This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.