How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst: Understanding the Science That Can Change Your Life / Edition 1

by Jon Bailey, Mary Burch

Overview

How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst is a revolutionary resource for understanding complex human behavior and making potentially significant quality of life improvements. Behavior analysts offer a worldview of the human condition different than almost any other professional perspective. To a behavior analyst, human behavior is largely learned and subject to change if the right variables are put into play. This is an empowering outlook, providing an opportunity for individuals to analyze the actions of those around them and an understanding of why others exhibit such behavior.

Practical, clear, and direct, this book addresses basic questions such as how behavior analysis is different from psychotherapy, what analysis involves, and the meaning of evidence-based treatment. A chapter on Applications presents tips on using behavioral procedures to improve lives and deal with others, and articulates how behavioral procedures are used in community settings. In question and answer format, the text thoroughly covers 50 frequently asked questions about behavior analysis in an educational and entertaining manner. It was developed out of questions raised by students in behavior analysis classes over the last 35 years, as well as questions raised by consumers of behavior analysis services.

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805858884
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/26/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	226
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Contents: Introduction. Basic Concepts. Applications. The Science and Technology of Behavior. General Issues of Behavior. The Behavioral "Take" on Other Fields of Psychology. Basic Skepticism. Myths and the Media. Getting Started in a Career in Behavior Analysis. Behavior Analyst Code of Ethics. References/Recommended Reading. Appendix A.

Editorial Reviews

"...a very easy to read, passionate volume that addresses a range of issues for students, parents, and teachers."
—PsycCRITIQUES

From the Publisher