Behavior Science Perspectives On Culture And Community

All science proceeds by progressively building on the work of others while remaining open to new discoveries and challenging existing conceptual frameworks. The same is true of culturo-behavior science. This textbook presents the scientifically rigorous work of the last several decades that has taken a behavior-analytic view of social and cultural processes, with an eye for contributions that address social and cultural issues. The chapters herein explore and elaborate on the history, theories, and methodologies of culturo-behavior science and those of its researchers and practitioners. Throughout this volume, the authors intentionally prompt students to both learn from and question the current theory and methods while shaping their own research and practice. This book presents multiple intersecting perspectives intended for graduate-level students of behavior analysis. Contributors to this volume include many of the major scholars and practitioners conducting research and/or practicing in communities and larger cultural systems. Their work is scientifically guided, systemic, and ecologically valid; it includes basic research as well as efforts having applications in community health, sustainability, environmental issues, and social justice, among other matters. There is material here to support specialists preparing to do research or practice within community and cultural-level systems. As well, students who intend to do direct and clinical work will find the background they need to make contributions to the field as engaged, informed citizens.

A Scientific Framework for Compassion and Social Justice provides readers with an in-depth understanding of the behavior analytic principles that maintain social justice issues and highlights behavior analytic principles that promote self-awareness and compassion. Expanding on the goals of the field of applied behavioral analysis (ABA), this collection of essays from subject-matter experts in various fields combines personal experiences, scientific explanations, and effective strategies to promote a better existence; a better world. Chapters investigate the self-imposed barriers that contribute to human suffering and offer scientific explanations as to how the environment can systematically be shaped and generate a sociocultural system that promotes harmony, equality, fulfilment, and love. The goal of this text is to help the reader focus overwhelming feelings of confusion and upheaval into action and to make a stand for social justice while mobilizing others to take value-based actions. The lifelong benefit of these essays extends beyond ABA practitioners to readers in gender studies, diversity studies, education, public health, and other mental health fields.

Women in Behavior Science is a unique text that showcases the perspectives, stories, and lessons of notable female behavior scientists at all stages of their careers, with relevance for the field’s many women pursuing careers in academia today. With the insights of esteemed female behavior scientists from diverse backgrounds, the book brings together their challenges and successes to include their own distinct perspectives on their professional and personal development. The book includes three sections that span the different phases of the academic lifespan from graduate school to retirement and post-retirement. Each section covers a wide range of topics such as expanding one’s work in new and diverse areas; deciding when and how to make transitions; making something out of nothing or very little; navigating relationships with family, children, and life partners both inside and outside of academy; values-based living; how to thrive in competitive environments; and building values-consistent repertoires in settings that may be gender-marginalizing. Presenting a behind-the-scenes view of academia, the authors also provide open and vulnerable narratives about their psychological and socio-cultural experiences, their stories of marginalization, their difficulties with mental and physical health challenges, grief and loss, and caring for others with chronic health conditions. Reframing the cultural-level recognition of female behavior scientists today, this book is essential reading for graduate and postgraduate students of Behavioral Science, especially for those focusing on diversity and cultural issues. It is also a must-read for professionals interested in understanding the experiences of diverse groups in this field.

Applied Behavior Science in Organizations provides a compelling overview of the history of Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and the opportunity it presents for designing and managing positive work environments that can in turn have a positive impact on society. The book brings together leading experts from industry and research settings to provide an overview of the historical approaches in Organizational Behavior Management. It begins with an introduction to recognized practices in OBM and the applications of fundamental principles of behavior analysis to a variety of performance problems in organizational settings. The book then highlights how organizational practices and consumers’ behavior combine in a complex confluence to meet an organization’s goals and satisfy consumer appetites, whilst often unintentionally affecting the wellbeing of organizational members. It argues that the science of behavior has a responsibility to contribute to the safety, health and wellbeing of organizational members, consumers of organizational products, and beyond. Finally, the book recognizes the essential role of organizations in initiating, shaping, and sustaining the development of more nurturing and reinforcing work environments, through discussion of the need for innovation while adapting and responding to growing social upheaval, technological advances, and environmental concerns, alongside crises in the global economy, health, education, and environment. Showcasing emerging work by internationally recognized scholars on the application of behavior science in organizations, the book will be an essential read for all students and professionals of Organizational Behavior Management, as well as those interested in using organizational applications to create new models of management.

The behavior analytic research community emphasizes within-subject research methodologies to study relations between individual behavior and the environment. This is unique as behavior analytic practitioners can then replicate directly the research they read when determining whether a research finding applies to the clients with whom they work. Research Ethics in Behavior Analysis: From Laboratory to Clinic and Classroom is a reference guide for behavior analysts who conduct, supervise, or consume research specific to behavior analysis. This book is sequenced to follow the natural research process, beginning with an introduction to the history of research ethics that led to modern principles and values of scientific research ethics. The reader is taken through sequential steps from obtaining resources to support a research project through participant recruitment, conducting the study, communicating results, and supporting replication. Each chapter incorporates critical and under-discussed topics unique to research ethics in behavior analysis such as diversity, equity, and inclusion in the research process; balancing methodological rigor with clinical outcomes; aligning research and clinical goals; assessing generalization of research findings; the gray lines of assent and consent for intervention versus research; identifying and obtaining resources to support research; conflicts of interest; using technology and social media; and ethically handling data. Incorporates critical and under-discussed topics unique to research ethics in behavior analysis Reviews how to use technology and social media within your research Explains various approaches to communicating both negative and positive results Explores the gray lines of assent and consent for intervention versus research Written specifically for behavior analysts who conduct, supervise, or consume research specific to behavior analysis

People Skills for Behavior Analysts provides a much-needed introduction to the people skills needed to succeed as a behavior analyst. Divided into two primary parts – Foundational Skills and Specialized Skills – this book addresses an impressive breadth of people skills, focusing on intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, collaboration, consultation and training, leadership, and resource development. Relying on recent evidence-based practices and relevant literature tailored to meet the new BACB Task List, Professional & Ethical Compliance Code, and Supervised Independent Fieldwork requirements, the text includes contributions from leading figures from a wide variety of applied behavior analysis subfields to provide a truly balanced overview. The book delves into the literature from fields related to behavior analysis, such as counselling, psychology, graphic design, management and education, and applies these perspectives to behavioral theories and principles to provide students, new graduates, and seasoned professionals with research, best practices, reflective questions, and practical techniques. From reflecting on one’s practice, to learning essential therapeutic skills, running a great meeting, becoming a ‘super’ supervisor, and delivering a memorable presentation, all people skills are included in one place for the behavior practitioner. This is a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduate students studying Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and will also appeal to recent graduates and behavior analysts looking to improve their existing skillset.

This volume brings together a collection of seven articles previously published by the author, with a new introduction reframing the articles in the context of past and present questions in anthropology, psychology and human evolution. It promotes the perspective of ‘integrated’ social science, in which social science questions are addressed in a deliberately eclectic manner, combining results and models from evolutionary biology, experimental psychology, economics, anthropology and history. It thus constitutes a welcome contribution to a gradually emerging approach to social science based on E. O. Wilson’s concept of ‘consilience’. Human Cultures through the Scientific Lens spans a wide range of topics, from an examination of ritual behaviour, integrating neuro-science, ethology and anthropology to explain why humans engage in ritual actions (both cultural and individual), to the motivation of conflicts between groups. As such, the collection gives readers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the applications of an evolutionary paradigm in the social sciences. This volume will be a useful resource for scholars and students in the social sciences (particularly psychology, anthropology, evolutionary biology and the political sciences), as well as a general readership interested in the social sciences.

A comprehensive treatise on how to understand complex language, and use language effectively as a behavior analyst. Language changes everything. From infancy through adulthood, language shapes how we live our lives and interact with other people, in increasingly complex ways. Language also shapes how we exist in the world as professionals—and how we operate as a profession. As behavior analysts working with others to effect change, words matter. A comprehensive understanding of complex language is therefore critical to practicing effectively as a behavior analyst. Understanding the functions of complex language, allows us to skillfully use language as an intervention tool. Relational frame theory (RFT) is a behavior analytic theory of human language. RFT suggests that the building block of human language and higher cognition is relating—in other words, the human ability to create links between one thing and another using words. Understanding and Applying Relational Frame Theory outlines the essential principles of RFT, and offers practical applications and tools to help clients live better lives and to establish the conditions necessary for all of us to thrive. With a central focus on establishing psychological flexibility, prosociality, and cooperative contexts for change, at all levels of analysis—from the self to overarching systems and cultures—in this book, you will: Learn the theoretical basis of RFT, including how relational operants are learned, from their roots in early social interactions to the complex relating of relations and relational networks seen in analogical and metaphorical reasoning. Explore how complex verbal repertoires affect individual behavior, introducing the development of the self and the influence of rule-governed behavior and private events. Examine relational framing in the context of groups—including the speaking and listening skills needed for supervision, mentorship, effective messaging, and prosociality within and between organizational systems. Discover the implications of applying a behavior analytic understanding of complex language to a variety of settings, including education, mental health, and business. Learn how RFT can be applied to issues of diversity and inclusion, and global sustainability. Finally, you’ll find a thorough discussion of how behavior analysts can use the principles outlined in this book to extend the reach of the field into a range of socially significant and critical areas for behavior change.