A clear and concise practical guide to the principles and methods of studies of behaviour.

"Yoder and Symons bring decades of work to bear and it shows....[The book is] presented with broad scholarship and conceptual depth." óRoger Bakeman, PhD Professor Emeritus Georgia State University "This outstanding volume transcends the typical treatment of behavior observation methods in introductory research texts. Yoder and Symons articulate a set of measurement principles that serve as the foundation for behavior observation as a scientific tool." óWilliam E. MacLean Jr., PhD Executive Director Wyoming Institute for Disabilities University of Wyoming This comprehensive textbook introduces graduate students to the competent conduct of observational research methods and measurement. The unique approach of this book is that the chapters delineate not only the techniques and mechanics of observational methods, but also the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of these methods. The observational methods presented can be used for both single-subject and group-design perspectives, showing students how and when to use both methodologies. In addition, the authors provide many practical exercises within chapters as well as electronic media files of a sample observation session to code with multiple behavior sampling methods. Key topics: Improving measurement of generalized characteristics through direct observation and the generalizability theory Developing coding schemes and designing or adapting coding manuals Determining sampling methods and metrics for observational variables Training observers and assessing their agreement Performing sequential analysis on observational data Assessing the validity of observational variables

This title brings together advances in measurement and data analysis and discusses the range of problems that can be addressed with these approaches. It examines most important areas of measurement, applied statistics, research methods, and data analysis.

The long-awaited second edition of the classic textbook, Applied Behavior Analysis, provides a comprehensive, in-depth discussion of the field, providing a complete description of the principles and procedures needed to systematically change socially significant behavior and to understand the reasons for that change. The authors' goal in revising this best-selling text was to introduce students to ABA in as complete, technically accurate, and contemporary manner as possible. As a result, the book's scope, treatment of various principles, procedures, and issues suggest that it is intended for concentrated and serious study.Readers of the new second edition will appreciate the inclusion of: more than 1,400 citations to primary-source literature, including both classic and contemporary studies; a glossary of more than 400 technical terms and concepts; more than 100 graphs displaying original data from peer-reviewed research, with detailed descriptions of the procedures used to collect the data represented; five new chapters written by leading scholars in the field of behavior analysis; and the addition of The Behavior Analyst Certification Board(r) BCBA(r) and BCABA(r) Behavior Analyst Task List, Third Edition. First published in 1987, Applied Behavior Analysis remains the top-choice primary text for appropriate courses at universities in the United States and abroad with leading programs in behavior analysis. This comprehensive text, best-suited for all upper-level courses in basic principles, applications, and behavioral research methods, helps students, educators, and practitioners appreciate and begin to acquire the conceptual and technical skills necessary to foster socially adaptive behavior in diverse individuals.

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.