Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis

Preface 

Acknowledgments 

Part I: A Brief Introduction to Behavior Analysis Research 

Part II: Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis: Ten Steps for Successful Research 

Step 1: Determine Your "Research-Ready" Situation; Select Your General Topic, Find a Great Setting and Participants 

Step 2: Narrow Down Your Research Question 

Step 3: Decide on and Define Your Dependent and 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 

Step 10: Graph and Analyze Your Data  

Part III: Evaluating Behavioral Research 

Part IV: Using Applied Research Findings in Clinical and Educational Settings 

Part V: Going Public 

References 

Index 

About the Authors

Biography

Jon S. Bailey, PhD, is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Florida State University where he teaches graduate courses for behavior analysts. Dr. Bailey is a founding director of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, and he is past president of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA).

Mary R. Burch, PhD, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®. Dr. Burch has more than twenty-five years of experience in developmental disabilities. She has been a behavior specialist, QMRP, unit director, and consulting behavior analyst in developmental disabilities, mental health, and preschool settings.

"This instructive text takes the novice researcher step-by-step through the process of developing, conducting, evaluating, and disseminating scholarly work in behavior analysis. The authors not only prepare students and practitioners to conduct research in a competent and ethical manner, but they provide valuable guidelines for integrating research findings into clinical practice."

Dorothea C. Lerman, PhD, BCBA-D, professor of psychology and behavior analysis, University of Houston, Clear Lake

"The second edition of Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis by Bailey and Burch is a highly accessible ‘how-to" manual for conducting applied behavior analysis research. Rich with details from the authors’ vast experience and numerous examples from published research, this text is an indispensable resource for students of applied behavior analysis and for practicing behavior analysts."

Raymond G. Miltenberger, PhD, BCBA-D, professor and director, Applied Behavior Analysis program,　University of South Florida

"Bailey and Burch’s Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis, 2^nd Edition is another one in the long line of books from these authors that expertly addresses core issues in our field. Research is the oxygen that we behavior analysts require to survive and thrive. Our successes are due to our adherence to the scientific method and carefully planned and implemented research to support our clinical efforts. This book is an excellent resource to guide the research process from the very beginning of idea formulation to the application of research findings."
Thomas Zane, PhD, BCBA-D, director, Online Applied Behavior Analysis Programs, Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas

"This new version of Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis is a wonderful resource for young researchers!　 The text is very engaging and easy to read, rare qualities for a textbook on research methods.　The chapters guide junior researchers through very practical steps for designing and conducting research. I particularly liked the explanation of the logic behind the research designs. The success of an undergraduate thesis or master’s thesis is heavily dependent upon the skill of the research mentor.　Having this book as a resource gives the junior researcher the wisdom and guidance of a widely-published secondary mentor, Dr. Jon Bailey."

Linda LeBlanc, PhD, executive advisor, Trumpet Behavioral Health, president, LeBlanc Behavioral Consulting