Customer Reviews

How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst

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This book is an ideal introduction to applied behavior analysis (ABA). It's brief, easy to understand, and interesting. It describes basic principles and procedures, then illustrates them with anecdotes, case studies, or research -- and does it all in nontechnical terms.

Topics are organized around 50 questions commonly asked about ABA. Most of the questions deal with what behavior analysis is and what analysts do: Is ABA psychotherapy? What does evidenced-based mean? Is all behavior learned?

A few questions deal with common misconceptions and myths about ABA (eg., is reinforcement bribery?). One myth Bailey and Burch correct concerns B. F. Skinner, the "godfather" of ABA. The myth is that Skinner raised one of his daughters, Deborah, in a box. The fact is that Skinner designed a better baby crib. The air was filtered, the temperature regulated, and instead of the usual crib bars (responsible for many injuries) there was a plate glass window. The "air crib," as Skinner called it, rested on a raised platform so that adults need not bend over to pick up or talk to the baby. Deborah was not "raised" in a box any more than you were. Yet the myth persists, along with the myths that Deborah was confined to a mental hospital or that she sued Skinner for abuse. Such stories are invented and passed along by people who want to sabotage ABA by maligning those connected with it. This book provides the facts.

The best thing about this book, though, is that it explains the thinking behind ABA. With this book you really can learn to think like a behavior analyst - and that can make a profound difference in your life. No matter what you do in life, you are going to interact with other people: spouse, children, parents, coworkers, clients, neighbors, strangers. Once you learn to look at behavior like a behavior analyst, you have a better chance of understanding your own and other people's behavior. You may also deal more effectively with behavior problems and in that way improve your life and the lives of others.

The authors have excellent credentials for writing this book. Both are board certified behavior analyst and Jon is one of the leaders in the field. Collectively, what they don't know about ABA probably isn't worth knowing.

This is not a textbook. (For an atypical example of a text, see my First Course in Applied Behavior Analysis.) But How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst is an easy and entertaining introduction to ABA that will lay the groundwork for more formal study. Anyone who will be dealing with behavior problems (and that means everyone) should read this book. Anyone who is considering a career in ABA must read this book.

Behavior analysis is so simply explained in the book and it can be practiced in every living room, the car, working with animals especially horses(my world). When my young blind throughbred became progressively blind, I continued the functional assessment and behavioral diagnostics that I initited when when he was rescued, starved and very abused. It took a year to shape him into a proud champion in hunter-jumper events. After a year of magic, he became progressively blind almost overnight. I had known for awhile that he as losing his sight via results of ongoing systematic assessments which were compiled in my head. My first thought after total blindness was devastation, and then I thought of Bailey's favorite saying"shape, shape, and keep shaping".And within six(6)months I was riding that blind horse doing all the type riding as before except jumping although it would be possible to shape this behavior also.

My favorite "get-away" in Fl is Seaworld in Orlando. The whale program blows me away. They have about 24 behavior analysts that work with a big group of "killer whales" and their performances are unbelievable. When I was swimming with them and they would lift me onto their nose and give me a good high flip, all I could think was "shape, shape, and keep shaping". And all of a sudden I was so proud that I was a behavior analyst-and you could be one,too.Buy the book. Debbie Strother,MS,BCBA,CABA/Equine

It is rare when a book serves so many purposes so wonderfully! Such is the case with "How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst." New students in the field of ABA, parents of children with autism, and new professionals in ABA can get a much needed perspective about what characterizes the field, how it is viewed in the popular media, where it stands within academia, and more. College professors now have another very valuable tool to use in their classes on ABA. Applied Behavior Analysts now have another resource to give to their clients.

Written in a very interesting but easy to understand style, "How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst" should be on the bookshelf of anyone interested in behavior change. We owe a great deal of thanks to Bailey and Burch.

I like this book. However, I feel the content is too simple and I'm sorry I bought it. I'm not qualified in ABA or perhaps as knowledgeable in the area as some of the other reviewers here. I had hoped this book would give me some insight. It is still a nice read and I keep it on the book stand in the bathroom along with my National Geographics.

Take to the web and do some research on behaviour analysis and you will find more info than this book contains. I think its market is aimed at parents who 'want to think like a behaviour analyst'. These parents will be let down. I bought this book on the strength of the other reviews. Maybe my view is skewed... I can't verify that, but I do know one thing. This was one of my most regrettable purchases on the subject of ABA.

I have been studying operant conditioning on and off for years. Burch and Bailey wrote a favorite book of mine, "How Dogs Learn". In that and other books, I kept seeing a recurring mention of Applied Behavior Analysis ("ABA"), as well as in my online research, so I picked up this book. It was from authors I already liked, and it looked like an inexpensive introduction. Indeed it was. Other reviewers have outlined the books contents so I won't repeat that. I just wanted to encourage those who are completely new to ABA and interested in what it's all about, to get this book without hesitation. The only thing I might add is an addendum with current books that further explore many of the topics included in this book. It whets ones appetite but is truly just an introduction that can excite a new learner into exploring other resources. Well done and highly recommended for newcomers.

I found this book to be a good resource while taking a class on the subject. I sure I will use it over & over.

I have just read a book that brings the science of applied behavior analysis to everyone in all walks of their life. No more confusing and difficult to recall scientific terms to memorize. Applications of the science to common problems with kids, spouses, bosses, etc. are notable. Parents, teachers, supervisors - keep it as a desk reference.

This book had a nice, broad, informative overview of the principles and field of ABA. I enjoyed reading it.

Book arrived quickly, and concepts are presented in a clear and easy to read manner.