The latest edition of the gold standard in introductory behavior analysis texts
In the newly revised second edition of An Introduction to Behavior Analysis, a team of experienced researchers delivers an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the theoretical fundamentals and applications of behavior analysis. The authors focus on practical issues encountered by practicing behavior analysts, including Pavlovian and operant learning, reinforcement and punishment, motivation and stimulus control, and other key concepts in the field.
The book clearly articulates and defends the philosophical assumptions and overarching goals of behavior analysis. It describes objective data collection, experimental methods, and data analysis in the context of modern psychology. You'll also find:
- Core behavioral analysis principles explained in an accessible way that are appropriate for introductory audiences
- Expert discussions of a variety of common behavior issues, including language, substance-use disorders, and psychological disorders
- Up-to-date examinations of the latest empirical research and theory, along with identifications of areas that require further data and study
- Complimentary access to a companion website containing PowerPoint slides and a test bank for each chapter
Perfect for students undertaking their first course in behavior analysis or behavior modification, An Introduction to Behavior Analysis is also a must-read for trainees pursuing certification through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board and for students of the applied psychological sciences.
Table of Contents:
Preface
1 An Introduction to Behavior Analysis 1
What Is Behavior?
What Is Behavior Analysis?
The Goals of Behavior Analysis
The First Goal of Behavior Analysis
The Second Goal of Behavior Analysis
Demand More of Your Science
Reading Quiz 1
The Assumptions of Behavior Analysis
Assumption #1: Behavior is determined
Mentalistic Explanations of Behavior
I’m Not Buying It. I Determine My Own Behavior
EXTRA BOX 1: Determinism Promotes Empathy and Compassion
Assumption #2: The scientific method is a valid way to reveal the
determinants of behavior
Reading Quiz 2
Scientific Method
Reading Quiz 3
What Are the Determinants of Behavior?
Nature
Nurture
Behavioral Epigenetics
The Activities of Behavior Analysts
The Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Applied Behavior Analysis
EXTRA BOX 2: Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis
Behavioral Service Delivery
Organizational Behavior Management
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists
Summary
Reading Quiz 4
Reading Quiz Answers
References
2 Behavioral Research and Measures
Variables
Correlation vs Causation
Experiments
Three Components of a Behavioral Experiment
Reading Quiz 1
Choosing the Target Behavior
Dimensions of Behavior
Frequency
Latency
Duration
Magnitude
Measuring Behavior
Indirect Observation Methods
Self-Report
Permanent-Product Recording
Choosing the Right Observation Method (PART 1)
Direct Observations
Operational Definitions
Social Validity of the Operational Definition
Inter-Observer Agreement (IOA)
What IOA is Not
Reading Quiz 2
Conducting Direct Observations
Event Recording
Calculating IOA When Using Event Recording
Interval Recording
Partial-Interval Recording
Whole-Interval Recording
Calculating IOA When Partial-Or Whole-Interval Recording
Duration Recording
Calculating IOA When Using Duration Recording
Calculating IOA When Using Permanent-Product Recording
Choosing the Right Observation Method (PART 2)
Reading Quiz 3
Summary
Reading Quiz Answers
References
3 Experimental Designs in Behavior Analysis
Group Experimental Designs
EXTRA BOX 1: The Price of Group Designs
Single-Subject Experimental Designs
Internal Validity of Single-Subject Experimental Designs
Four Types of Single-Subject Experimental Designs
Comparison (A-B) Design
Reversal (A-B-A) Design
EXTRA BOX 2: An ABA Reversal Design Experiment in the NBA
Alternating-Treatments Design
Multiple-Baseline Designs
Defining Features of Single-Subject Designs
Three Kinds of Replication
Reading Quiz 1
Did Behavior Change?
Two Patterns of Behavior Change
What Makes a Change Convincing?
Guidelines for Conducting the Visual Analysis
What Is Responsible for the Change
Reading Quiz 2
Supplementing the Visual Analysis with Inferential Statistics
Summary
Answers to Reading Quiz Questions
References
4 Phylogenetic Behavior and Pavlovian Learning
Phylogenetically Selected Behavior
Reflex Learning – Habituation
EXTRA BOX 1: Habituation and Happiness
The “Nature and Nurture” Answer to the “Nature vs Nurture” Debate
Elicited or Evoked?
Reading Quiz 1
Pavlovian Learning
The Discovery of Pavlovian Learning
A Simple Pavlovian Conditioning Procedure
Pavlovian Conditioning of Positive Emotions
Pavlovian Conditioning of Negative Emotions 89
The Little Albert Experiment
What Became of Little Albert?
Fear Conditioning and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Reading Quiz 2
What Is Learned During Pavlovian Conditioning?
Pavlovian Learning Happens Automatically
Four Principles of Effective Pavlovian Conditioning
Applying these principles to Understanding PTSD
Reading Quiz 3
Generalization
Pavlovian Extinction-Based Therapy
Graduated Exposure Therapy
Spontaneous Recovery
EXTRA BOX 2: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Military Veterans
Reading Quiz 4
Pavlovian Conditioning in Everyday Life
Taste-Aversion Learning
Advertising
Summary
Answers to Reading Quiz Questions
References
5 Operant Learning I: Reinforcement
Operant Behavior
Reading Quiz 1
Response–Consequence Contingencies
Learning Response–Consequence Contingencies
Noncontingent Consequences
Superstitious Behavior
Reading Quiz 2
Changing Behavior with Contingent Consequences
Extra Box 1: Noncontingent Consequences in North Korea
Reinforcers, Reinforcement, and Rewards
Reading Quiz 3
The Discovery of Reinforcement
Is it a Reinforcer?
From Puzzle Boxes to Skinner Boxes
Reading Quiz 4
Reinforcement in Daily Life
Response Variability: Exploring & Exploiting
Extra Box 2: Add Some Variability to Your Life
The Generic Nature of Operant Behavior
Not Every Consequence Functions as a Reinforcer
Reading Quiz 5
Reinforcement in Social Media and Video Games
Games for Good
Summary
Reading Quiz & Table 5.2 Answers
References
6 Operant Learning II: Positive and Negative Reinforcement
Positive Reinforcement
Positive Reinforcement in the Lab
Negative Reinforcement
Negative Reinforcement – Escape (SRE-)
Negative Reinforcement – Escape (SRE-) in the Lab
Negative Reinforcement – Avoidance (SRA−)
Negative Reinforcement – Avoidance (SRA−) in the Lab
Extra Box 1: What Is the Consequence in SRA−?
Distinguishing Between SRE- and SRA−
Reading Quiz 1
Positive or Negative Reinforcement: Is There Really
a Difference?
Reason 1: Heuristics
Reason 2: Loss Aversion
Using Reinforcement to Positively Influence Behavior
Reinforcement in the Workplace
Three Objections to Reinforcement
Objection 1: Intrinsic Motivation
Objection 2: Performance-Inhibiting Properties of Reinforcement
Objection 3: The Alignment Problem
Reading Quiz 2
Theories of Reinforcement
The Response Strengthening Theory of Reinforcement
The Information Theory of Reinforcement
Evaluating the Theories
Reading Quiz 3
Summary
Reading Quiz Answers
References
7 Operant Extinction & Differential Reinforcement
Operant Extinction Following Positive Reinforcement
Operant Extinction Following Negative Reinforcement
How Quickly Will Operant Extinction Work?
Rate of Reinforcement Prior to Extinction
Motivation
Spontaneous Recovery of Operant Behavior
Reading Quiz 1
Extra Box 1: How Extinction Informs Theories of Reinforcement
Other Predictable Effects of Extinction
Extinction-Induced Emotional Behavior
Extinction Burst
Extinction-Induced Variability
Extinction-Induced Resurgence
We Tried It at Home
Reading Quiz 2
Using Extinction to Positively Influence Behavior
Functional Analysis of Behavior
Functional Analysis of Self-Injurious Behavior
EXTRA BOX 2: Functional Analysis of Charitable Giving
Differential Reinforcement
Therapeutic Use of Differential Reinforcement
Differential Reinforcement Without Extinction
How to Effectively Use Differential Reinforcement
Differentially Reinforcing Topography
Differentially Reinforcing Rate of Operant Behavior
Reading Quiz 3
Summary
Reading Quiz Answers
References
8 Unconditioned Reinforcers, Conditioned Reinforcers, and Shaping
Unconditioned Reinforcers
Conditioned Reinforcers
Pavlovian Learning and Conditioned Reinforcers
Verbal Learning and Conditioned Reinforcers
The Token Economy
Reading Quiz 1
Arranging Effective Conditioned Reinforcers
Principle 1: Use an Effective Backup Reinforcer
Principle 2: Use a Salient Conditioned Reinforcer
Principle 3: The Conditioned Reinforcer Should Signal a Significant Reduction in the Delay to the Backup Reinforcer
Principle 4: The Conditioned Reinforcer Must be the Only Stimulus Signaling the Delay Reduction to the Backup Reinforcer
Extra Box 1: Conditioned Reinforcers in Zoos
Clicker Training with Humans
Reading Quiz 2
Shaping
Extra Box 2: Shaping Animal Behavior on the Farm
Shaping Human Behavior
Shaping and Flow
Principles of Effective Shaping
Automating Shaping: Percentile Schedules of Reinforcement
Reading Quiz 3
Summary
Answers to Reading Quizes
References 226
9 Motivation, Reinforcer Efficacy, and Habit
Formation
Everyday Concepts of Motivation
From Motivation to Motivating Operations
Two Kinds of Motivating Operations
Examples of EOs
Examples of AOs
Motivating Operations Require Response-Reinforcer Contingency Learning
The Therapeutic Utility of Motivating Operations
Extra Box 1: The Cost of Mentalistic Reasoning
Reading Quiz 1
Identifying Effective Reinforcers: The “Liking” Strategy
Reinforcer Surveys
Stimulus Preference Assessments
Extra Box 2: Avoiding Circularity – Response Disequilibrirum Theory
Reading Quiz 2
Measuring Reinforcer Efficacy
Dimensions of Effective Reinforcers
Contingency
Reinforcer Size
Reinforcer Quality
Reinforcer Immediacy
EXTRA BOX 3: Reinforcing Altruism
Habit Formation
Habits – What Are They and How Are They Formed
Our Everyday Habits
Replacing Bad Habits with Good Ones
Reading Quiz 3
Chapter Summary
Answers to Reading Quizzes
References
10 Punishment
Punishers and Punishment
Unconditioned and Conditioned Punishment
Positive and Negative Punishment – Both Decrease Behavior 261
Positive Punishment
Negative Punishment
Reading Quiz 1
When Should We Punish?
A Deeper Dive on Punishment Critiques
EXTRA BOX 1. The Ethics of Electric Shock Punishment in Applied Behavior Analysis
Punishment is the Norm—Using it Effectively is Humane
Six Characteristics of Effective Punishment
1. Focus on Reinforcement First
2. Combine Punishment with Extinction and/or Differential Reinforcement
3. Deliver Punishers Immediately
4. Deliver Punishment Contingently
5. Punish Every Time
6. Use the Least-Intense Punisher That Works
Reading Quiz 2
Two Practical Negative-Punishment Procedures
Time-out from Positive Reinforcement
Response-Cost Punishment
The Watchful Eye of the Punisher
The Role of Reinforcement in the Act of Punishing
Reading Quiz 3
Chapter Summary
Answers to Reading Quiz Questions
References
11 Complex Contingencies of Reinforcement
Schedules of Reinforcement
Ratio Schedules of Reinforcement
Fixed-Ratio Schedules
Variable-Ratio Schedules
The Behavioral Economics of Ratio Schedules
The Underappreciated VR Schedule
Reading Quiz 1
Interval Schedules of Reinforcement
Fixed-Interval Schedules
Variable-Interval Schedules
Putting it All Together
Reading Quiz 2
Why Study Schedules of Reinforcement?
Extra Box 1: Contingency Management of Substance-Use Disorders
Schedule Thinning
Scheduling Reinforcers to Enhance Human Performance and Wellbeing
Increasing Spontaneity with Lag Schedules of Reinforcement
Reading Quiz 3
Summary
Answers to Reading Quiz Questions and Questions Posed in Tables 11.1–11.4
References
12 Antecedent Stimulus Control
Phylogenetic and Pavlovian Stimulus Control
Discriminated Operant Behavior
The Discriminative Stimulus (SD)
The SΔ
The SDp
The Three-term Contingency
Reading Quiz 1
Discriminative Stimuli and Establishing Operations
Discriminative Stimuli and Conditioned Reinforcement
Discrimination Training
Effective Methods of Discrimination Training
EXTRA BOX 1: Direct Instruction of Reading Skills
Using Discrimination Training to Positively
Influence Behavior
Generalization
Using Discrimination Training to Improve Stimulus Control
Promoting Generalization and Maintenance
Tactic 1: Teach Behaviors That Will Contact Natural Contingencies of
Reinforcement
Tactic 2: Train Diversely
Tactic 3: Arrange Antecedent Stimuli That Will Cue Generalization
Reading Quiz 2
Stimulus-Response Chains
Teaching Stimulus-Response Chains
Prompting and Fading
Extra Box 2: Stimulus Control and Consciousness 343
Reading Quiz 3
Chapter Summary
Answers to Reading Quizzes
References
13 Choice
What Is Choice?
Four Variables Affecting Choice
Reinforcement vs. No Consequence
Reinforcer Size/Quality
Effort
Reinforcer Delay
Summary
Reading Quiz 1
The Rich Uncle Joe Experiment
Choosing between Uncertain Outcomes
Herrnstein’s Matching Equation
Adding Uncertainty
Replications Across Species
Reading Quiz 2
Extra Box 1: The Matching Law, Terrorism, and White Nationalism
Substitutes
Extra Box 2: What Substitutes for Drug Reinforcers?
Using the Matching Law to Positively Influence Behavior
Increasing Socially Desirable Behavior
Decreasing Undesirable Behavior
The Matching Law and Attention
Summary
Reading Quiz 3
Impulsive and Self-Control Choices
Predicting Impulsive Choice
Predicting Preference Reversals
Reducing Impulsive Choice
Commitment Strategies
Delay-Exposure Training 380
Reading Quiz 4
Summary
Reading Quiz & Table 3 Answers
References
14 Verbal Behavior, Rule-Following, and Clinical
Behavior Analysis
Behavioral Approaches to Language
Skinner’s Functional Analysis of Speaker Behavior
Echoic
Mand
Tact
Intraverbal
Training Verbal Operants
Reading Quiz 1
The Behavior of the Listener
Expanding the Verbal Repertoire
Verbal Behavior and Emotions
Reading Quiz 2
Rules and Rule-Governed Behavior
Why Follow the Rules?
Pliance
Tracking
Persistently Following Incorrect Rules
Are We Hopelessly Compliant?
The Dark Side of Tracking
Reading Quiz 3
Breaking the Rules in Clinical Psychology
Extra Box 1: If Thoughts Are Important, Prepare to Suffer
The “Acceptance” in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
The “Commitment” in Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy
EXTRA BOX 2: Personal Values Exercise
Does ACT Work?
Reading Quiz 4
Summary
Supplemental Readings
Answers to Reading Quizzes
References
Appendix
Glossary
