An Introduction to Behavior Analysis - by Gregory J Madden & Derek D Reed & Florence D Digennaro Reed (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Some readers of this book will be interested in earning the credential of Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This credential is granted by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) and it is the gold-standard credential of practicing and applied behavior analysts. The BACB's Fifth Edition Task List outlines the Foundational principles and concepts that students must master before beginning an internship as a behavior analyst, and before earning the BCBA credential. The Appendix of this textbook provides the BACB's list of Foundations and indicates the chapter in which each topic is discussed. This book discusses many different categories of human behavior. Behavior analysts and psychologists are asked to help people who suffer from a myriad of difficulties. This includes anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. So that students will have the opportunity to see the utility of behavior analysis in the treatment of these disorders, this book will discuss them. Examples will be provided. If you believe an unexpected encounter with descriptions, or visual depictions of these disorders would be unnecessarily stressful for you, we recommend that you share your concerns with your instructor. They will take care to let you know in advance where these sensitive topics are discussed in the book, and in lectures."--

Book Synopsis

AN INTRODUCTION TO BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS

Explore a fascinating introductory treatment of the principles of behavior analysis written by three leading voices in the field

An Introduction to Behavior Analysis delivers an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the concepts and applications for graduate students of behavior analysis. Written from the ground up to capture and hold student interest, the book keeps its focus on practical issues.

The book offers readers sound analyses of Pavlovian and operant learning, reinforcement and punishment, motivation and stimulus control, language and rule-following, decision-making and clinical behavior analysis. With fully up to date empirical research references and theoretical content, An Introduction to Behavior Analysis thoroughly justifies every principle it describes with empirical support and explicitly points out where more data are required.

The text encourages students to analyze their own experiences and some foundational findings in the field in a way that minimizes jargon and maximizes engagement. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of:

A clear articulation and defense of the philosophical assumptions and overarching goals of behavior analysis.

A thorough description of objective data collection, experimental methods, and data analysis in the context of psychology

An exploration of the core principles of behavior analysis, presented at a level comprehensible to an introductory audience

A broad array of principles that cover issues as varied as language, substance-use disorders, and common psychological disorders

Perfect for students taking their first course in behavior analysis or behavior modification, An Introduction to Behavior Analysis will also earn a place in the libraries of students pursuing certification through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board or taking courses in the applied psychological sciences.

From the Back Cover

Explore a fascinating introductory treatment of the principles of behavior analysis written by three leading voices in the field

An Introduction to Behavior Analysis delivers an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the concepts and applications for graduate students of behavior analysis. Written from the ground up to capture and hold student interest, the book keeps its focus on practical issues.

The book offers readers sound analyses of Pavlovian and operant learning, reinforcement and punishment, motivation and stimulus control, language and rule-following, decision-making and clinical behavior analysis. With fully up to date empirical research references and theoretical content, An Introduction to Behavior Analysis thoroughly justifies every principle it describes with empirical support and explicitly points out where more data are required.

The text encourages students to analyze their own experiences and some foundational findings in the field in a way that minimizes jargon and maximizes engagement. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of:

A clear articulation and defense of the philosophical assumptions and overarching goals of behavior analysis.

A thorough description of objective data collection, experimental methods, and data analysis in the context of psychology

An exploration of the core principles of behavior analysis, presented at a level comprehensible to an introductory audience

A broad array of principles that cover issues as varied as language, substance-use disorders, and common psychological disorders

Perfect for students taking their first course in behavior analysis or behavior modification, An Introduction to Behavior Analysis will also earn a place in the libraries of students pursuing certification through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board or taking courses in the applied psychological sciences.

About the Author

Gregory J. Madden, PhD, is a Professor of Psychology at Utah State University. His research foci are on impulsivity, drug-taking, pollution control, and health decision-making. He was Editor-in-Chief of the APA Handbook of Behavior Analysis and the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. He is a Fellow of the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

Derek D. Reed, PhD, BCBA-D, is a Professor of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. His research applies behavioral economic concepts to inform public policy and address issues of societal importance. He has served as Associate Editor for The Psychological Record, Behavior Analysis in Practice, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, and Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

Florence D. DiGennaro Reed, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Associate Professor of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. Her research examines effective and efficient staff training and performance improvement practices in human service settings. She also conducts translational research in on-campus laboratory facilities. Dr. DiGennaro Reed has served as Associate Editor for Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Journal of Behavioral Education, and Behavior Analysis in Practice.