Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research by Johnston, James M.; Pennypacker, Henry S.;

Rövid leírás:

Virtually rewritten so as to make it even more appropriate for use in applied behavior analysis masters programs, this third edition provides among the most comprehensive treatment of single case and within-subject design and other behavioral research methods.

Hosszú leírás:

Almost entirely rewritten and reformatted with many more learning tools, this classic text now has even greater appeal to today?s students. This edition features much more discussion of how research methods are relevant for practitioners, and many examples are based on field research and service delivery scenarios.

This comprehensive treatment of single-subject or within-subject design focuses on the strategic (the overall goal) and tactical (the methods and procedures) options available to investigators as they try to determine the most effective way of addressing research questions. The authors guide readers to consider the rationale for different ways of measuring behavior and designing experimental comparisons. At every point, the text explains the strengths and weaknesses of alternative choices so that readers can make the best decision in each situation.

Highlights of the new third edition include:

• Rewritten in a straightforward and accessible style for students without a background in this area, this edition features many more field-based examples and applications.


• Increased focus on the application of research methods to the needs of practitioners in measuring behavior change and evaluating interventions under field conditions.


• Increased use of learning aids, including a "built-in study guide," summary tables, figures, boxed discussions of special topics, key terms with definitions, chapter summaries, suggested readings, discussion questions and exercises, and a glossary.


• Instructor?s resource materials available on a password-protected website with digital access to figures, tables, definition of new terms by chapters, multiple choice test questions, and content from the book?s learning aids, including study guide questions and suggested topics for class discussion and exercises.

With a focus on direct behavioral measurement and within-subject design, this book is intended for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses in behavioral research methods, basic or applied behavior analysis, or single-/within-subject design taught in psychology (especially clinical and counseling psychology), social work, education, developmental disabilities, and other social and health science programs that deal with human behavior in research or practice settings. Although the book is written for students without a background in behavioral research, its comprehensive approach to designing procedures for measuring behavior and creating experimental comparisons also make it a valuable resource for investigators and professionals.

"The book contains particularly good discussions of the pros and cons of different types of within-subjects designs that are often lacking in more general texts on experimental design. ? The book has a clear relevance to practitioners using behaviour analysis methods in behavioural therapy. ... As well as containing much sound generic advice, and some thought-provoking essays on specific issues, this book also provides a clear introduction to the terminology and approach of modern behaviour analysis." ? Melissa Bateson, Newcastle University, in Animal Welfare

"The book has a clear relevance to practitioners using behaviour analysis methods in behavioural therapy. ... As well as containing much sound generic advice, and some thought-provoking essays on specific issues, this book also provides a clear introduction to the terminology and approach of modern behaviour analysis." ? Melissa Bateson, Newcastle University, in Animal Welfare

"I currently use Kazdin?s "Single-Case design"?.However, after reviewing these revisions, I will most likely adopt it [ Johnston/Pennypacker]?It is the most comprehensive text on behavior-analytic research methods that I have read." - David A. Wilder, Florida Institute of Technology, USA

"I found the book well written and easy to understand?appropriate for either advanced undergraduate level or master?s level course in behavioral analysis and social science? a very useful reference for students and professionals working in the field." - James P. Whelan, The University of Memphis, USA 

"Johnston and Pennypacker?s thorough discussion of advanced measurement concepts such as accuracy, inter observer agreement and reliability has influenced generations of behavioral researchers and theoreticians? Johnston and Pennypacker is the standard by which all other behavioral research methodology texts must be judged. Their discussion of research strategies and tactics is helpful at every stage of a research project. This text is highly recommended for aspiring and experienced researchers who wish to understand and apply the conceptual underpinnings of scientific logic to the design and analysis of research projects? The proposed changes will greatly improve the utility of this text for graduate students who are focusing on applied research ? The addition of more examples? will greatly improve the ability of students to understand and apply concepts from this textbook. The emphasis on materials that are crucial to service provision and the removal of more esoteric and difficult conceptual materials will make this text a top choice for methodology courses in programs that emphasize applied research and service provision? The authors write clearly and with elegance? This is not a cookbook approach to research methodology; it covers the underlying logic of scientific research. That is one of its major strengths ? This textbook is a good candidate for a course entitled Research Methods in (either behavior analysis, special education, applied psychology)? Psychology (including clinical, industrial organizational, applied and developmental disability specialties) or Special Education students would be enrolled ? I would be one of the first in line to adopt this text for a research methodology course... Furthermore, I would enthusiastically recommend it to others teaching advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students." - R. Wayne Fuqua, Western Michigan University, USA

Tartalomjegyzék:

Part 1. The Natural Science of Behavior. Science and Scientific Behavior. Behavior as a Scientific Subject Matter. Asking Experimental Questions. Part 2. Measurement. Selecting and Defining Response Classes. Dimensional Quantities and Units of Measurement. Observing and Recording. Assessing Measurement. Part 3. Design. Behavioral Variability. Steady States and Transitions. Strategic Issues in Experimental Design. Creating Experimental Designs. Part 4. Interpretation. Analyzing Behavioral Data. Interpreting Experiments.