Strategies And Tactics Of Behavioral Research

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.

Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research and Practice focuses on the most effective methods for measuring and evaluating changes in behavior. The authors provide the rationale for different procedures for measuring behavior and designing within-subject comparisons between control and intervention conditions. The text explains the strengths and weaknesses of methodological alternatives for every topic so that behavioral researchers and practitioners can make the best decisions in each situation. This classic text has been extensively revised to be more accessible and practical. Not only does it feature much more discussion of how research methods are relevant to today’s practitioners, it also includes additional examples based on field research and service delivery scenarios. With expanded coverage on creating experimental designs, as well as new chapters on behavioral assessment, the statistical analysis of data, and ethical issues associated with research methods, this book provides a strong foundation for direct behavioral measurement, within-subject research design, and interpretation of behavioral interventions. Enriched with more pedagogical features, including key terms, tables summarizing important points, figures to help readers visualize text, and updated examples and suggested readings, this book is an invaluable resource for students taking courses in research methods. This book is appropriate for researchers and practitioners in behavior analysis, psychology, education, social work, and other social and health science programs that address questions about behavior in research or practice settings.

The readings featured in this volume are compiled from the authors' previously published papers and chapters, as well as newly written materials. At a more advanced level, the readings address certain specialized topics. However, these readings are thematically consistent with the chapters in the companion volume, making them especially suitable as supplementary material. Together with its companion volume, it provides an integrated and coherent account of how to study behavior. Most topics treated in traditional research methods texts are covered in detail, with particular reference to behavior as a subject matter. However, the work is distinctive from other texts in that its topics are organized not around inferential statistical methods, but the needs of a behavioral subject matter and the goal of bringing the researcher's behavior under its control. This approach closely integrates each new chapter with previous chapters, and the result is especially intuitive for students.

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.

In this anticipated new edition of Single Case Research Methodology, David L. Gast and Jennifer R. Ledford detail why and how to apply standard principles of single case research methodology to one’s own research or professional project. Using numerous and varied examples, they demonstrate how single case research can be used for research in behavioral and school psychology, special education, speech and communication sciences, language and literacy, occupational therapy, and social work. This thoroughly updated new edition features two entirely new chapters on measurement systems and controversial issues in single subject research, in addition to sample data sheets, graphic displays, and detailed guidelines for conducting visual analysis of graphic data. This book will be an important resource to student researchers, practitioners, and university faculty who are interested in answering applied research questions and objectively evaluating educational and clinical practices.

This text ntroduces readers to the history, epistemology, and strategies of single-case research design. The authors offer concrete information on how to observe, measure, and interpret change in relevant outcome variables and how to design strategies that promote causal inferences. Key Features Includes case vignettes on specific single-case designs Describes clinical and applied case studies Draws on multiple examples of single-case designs from published journals across a wide range of disciplines Covers recent developments in applied research, including meta-analysis and the distinction between statistical and clinical significance Provides pedagogical tools to help readers master the material, including a glossary, interim summaries, end-of-chapter review questions, and activities that encourage active processing of material. Intended Audience This text is intended for students and practitioners in a variety of disciplines—including psychology, nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy—who are increasingly called upon to document the effectiveness of interventions.