Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis

by Jon S. Bailey

• ISBN13: 9780761925569
• ISBN10: 0761925562
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-02-13
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

This very practical, how-to text provides the beginning researcher with the basics of applied behavior analysis research methods. In 10 logical steps, this text covers all of the elements of single-subject research design and it provides practical information for designing, implementing, and evaluating studies. Using a pocketbook format, the authors provide novice researcher with a "steps-for-success" approach that is brief, to-the-point, and clearly delineated.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xii
Part I: What Is Applied Behavior Analysis Research?	1	(18)
The Operant Research Model	4	(1)
Important Methodological Milestones	5	(5)
The Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis	10	(7)
How to Use This Book	17	(2)
Part II: Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis: Ten Steps for Successful Research	19	(206)
Select Your General Topic, Find a Good Setting, and Choose Appropriate Participants	21	(20)
Coming Up With a Good Idea to Research	22	(1)
The Importance of a Good Setting	23	(1)
Necessary Characteristics of a Good Research Setting	23	(7)
Necessary Characteristics of Participants	30	(3)
How Entry Into Settings Is Typically Gained	33	(3)
Cultivating a Research Setting	36	(5)
Narrow Down Your Research Question	41	(22)
Reviewing the Literature	43	(3)
Deciding on the Specific Behavior to Study	46	(1)
Deciding on the Type of Change to Study	46	(8)
Doing a Resource Assessment	54	(9)
Decide on Your Dependent and Independent Variables	63	(18)
Dependent Variables	64	(8)
Independent Variables	72	(9)
Establish Social Validity	81	(8)
Three Features of Social Validation	82	(1)
Sample Research Using Social Validation	83	(1)
A Brief History of Social Validation	83	(1)
Four Operational Steps of Social Validation	84	(1)
Examples of Research Using Social Validation	84	(2)
Habilitative Validity	86	(3)
Create Your Data Collection Systems	89	(44)
Dimensions of Behavior	90	(3)
Types of Measurement	93	(15)
Setting Up the Data Collection System	108	(11)
Complications in the Use of Observers	119	(14)
Pilot Test Your Key Variables	133	(8)
Pilot Testing Your Measurement System	134	(2)
Pilot Testing Your Independent Variable(s)	136	(5)
Identify the Appropriate Research Design	141	(52)
The Purpose of Research Design	142	(2)
Characteristics and Logic of Single-Subject Design Research	144	(3)
Exploratory Methods/Weak ``Designs''	147	(7)
Behavioral Analysis Research Designs	154	(39)
Conduct an Ethics Check	193	(12)
BACB Guidelines for Responsible Conduct	194	(4)
The Institutional Review Board	198	(1)
Developing a Responsible Research Design	199	(1)
Prevention of Abuse of Behavioral Research Findings	200	(2)
The Ethics of Publishing Your Work	202	(3)
Carry Out Your Research Project: Daily and Weekly Checklists for Success	205	(8)
Preparing Your Contact Person	206	(1)
Preparing Your Observers	207	(1)
Final Preparations	207	(1)
Getting Ready for Day 1	208	(1)
Days 2, 3, and 4	208	(1)
Week 2	208	(1)
Week 3 and Beyond	208	(2)
Preparing for the First Intervention	210	(1)
Managing the Rest of Your Study	211	(1)
Wrapping Up Your Study	212	(1)
Analyze and Graph Your Data	213	(12)
The Virtues of Visual Analysis	214	(1)
Should I Analyze My Data Statistically?	215	(4)
Guidelines for the Design of Graphs in Applied Behavior Analysis	219	(5)
What Next?	224	(1)
Part III: Going Public	225	(16)
Giving a Data or Other Presentation	226	(6)
Presenting a Poster	232	(2)
Publishing Your Research	234	(7)
References	241	(12)
Index	253	(15)
About the Authors	268