Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis (Paperback)

~ (Editor), Mary R. Burch (Editor) "We first consider the operant research model of behavior and review observation and measurement procedures from a historic perspective..." (more)
Key Phrases: behavior analysis research, demonstrating experimental control, multielement design, Baseline Treatment, American Psychological Association, Pilot Test Your Key Variables (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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." 

-- Review

Review

"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 )

"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 )

"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 )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc; 1 edition (February 13, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761925562
• ISBN-13: 978-0761925569
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #716,972 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid guide to quality research, November 12, 2002

By	"omudford" (Auckland, New Zealand) - See all my reviews

Up-to-date guide to developing worthwhile research projects in applied behaviour analysis. Well-written and stimulating style. Will be an essential read for students who are aiming for Behavior Analyst Certification Board credentials and for professionals who aspire to publishing high quality research in top-rated research journals. I will certainly be recommending it to graduates and advanced undergraduates who choose to conduct applied projects as part of their studies.

There are several other books on the topic available. Many are useful, even if up to 20 years in print, and should be read too as they contain different details. However this book updates recommendations and includes recent developments in electronic literature research, data-collection, and presentation.

A distinctive aspect of Bailey & Burch (2002) is that it acknowledges the difficulties of conducting good behaviour analytic research and suggests how to avoid those difficulties (e.g., conducting informal pilot studies) or how to escape them if they do arise (e.g., recognising when a service is just not a suitable host for the fledgling researcher). These considerations are not usually included in research methods texts. It is refreshing and inspiring that the authors are making public their research development "secrets for success".

The authors recommend extremely high standards for evaluating the quality of data. Even some well-established highly published research groups may not meet those standards. Students may need help in recognising where compromises are acceptable to enable them to conduct reserach that is practically possible and still valid.

Overall - this book is splendid.

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read, March 8, 2007

By	H. Day "MTB Mom" (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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This book is easy to read, has useful information, and the author has a good sense of humor.