2nd Edition
How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst Understanding the Science That Can Change Your Life
How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst is a revolutionary resource for understanding complex human behavior and making potentially significant quality-of-life improvements.
Practical and clearly written, this second edition addresses basic questions like how behavior analysts work, why specific methods and procedures are used, what alternative "fad" treatments are, and more. The updated text answers 70 frequently asked questions about behavior analysis using an accessible question-and-answer format. Each question now includes a Quick Take, which is a simple and easy-to-read answer to the question, and then a more in-depth Technically Speaking answer that is more challenging. A brand-new chapter discusses ways of advancing one’s career in the field and how to go to graduate school and become board certified.
This text is written for all professionals concerned with behavior, including undergraduate students in psychology and behavior analysis, parents, teachers, employers, and employees. The book can easily be used as a supplement to primary texts in introductory psychology courses, and the exercises that follow each question can be used to stimulate lively discussion in role-play and other active learning situations.
PART ONE: The Big Picture 1. Basic Concepts and Principles 2. General Issues of Behavior Analysis 3. The Science and Technology of Behavior Analysis 4. The Philosophy Behind Behavior Analysis 5. Applications of Behavior Analysis 6. The Behavioral Take on Other Fields of Psychology 7. Myths and the Media PART TWO: Becoming a Professional 8. Starting Your Career in Behavior Analysis 9. Advancing Your Career in ABA 10. Ethics in Behavior Analysis
Biography
Jon S. Bailey, PhD, BCBA-D, Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Florida State University, 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 Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA).
Mary R. Burch, PhD, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®. Dr. Burch has more than 25 years' 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 introductory text covers many topics of interest about behavior analytic services. The authors have prepared a reader-friendly text that will appeal to parents, caretakers, educators, behavior support staff, university students, and persons seeking professional credentials (e.g., BCBA, RBT). The text includes real-life examples, diagrams, graphs, and exercises to explain key points and enhance learning opportunities."
- Kevin Murdock, PhD, Board Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral; Consulting School Psychologist
"Drs. Bailey and Burch have compiled answers for questions students don’t even know they have. Questions are comprehensive and answers are concise. This book is a lifesaver for students and faculty alike."
-Dawn Bailey, PhD, Associate Professor, Oregon Institute of Technology
"How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst provides the layperson with a wealth of information about the field of behavior analysis in terms that are easy to understand. It helps laypersons understand how behavior analysis can change people’s lives."
-Jeanne Brower, M.S., BCBA, South Florida Area Director, Behavior Management Consultants
