The branch of clinical psychology known as behavior modification or, synonymously, applied behavior analysis, has grown substantially from humble beginnings in the 1960s. Many colleges and universities now offer courses in applied behavior analysis, and more than a few grant degrees in the area. Although they remain controversial, behavior mod ification procedures have been used to good advantage in dealing with a range of problem behaviors and are now rather widely employed in schools, residential institutions, and other therapeutic facilities. The two hallmarks of applied behavior analysis are utilization of the principles of operant conditioning to improve human behavior and utilization of scientific research methodology to assess the effectiveness of treatments. The present text provides an overview of several issues peculiar to applied behavior analysis research methodology. Six general areas of concern are (a) trends in applied behavior analysis research, (b) assessment and measurement issues, (c) experimental designs and strategies, (d) interpretation of findings, (e) ethical issues in applied behavior analysis, and (f) the societal impact of studies in the area. As evidenced by a sizable number of recently published articles, these topics are of considerable interest to behavior analysts. They also are relevant for students of scientific epistemology and general psychological research methods.

Primary text or supplement for graduate-level courses or seminars on applied behavior analysis, educational reform, and evidence-based curriculum and instruction. The nineteen chapters in this edited volume were developed from presentations given at The Ohio State University's Third Focus on Behavior Analysis in Education Conference. The contributing authors present literature reviews, conceptual analyses, and data from several original studies; they describe advancements in curricula, classroom and schoolwide interventions, and teacher training programs; and they offer personal perspectives on the current status and future directions of behavior analysis in education. This text is an ideal resource for three groups (1) educators seeking information and resources on measurably effective instructional tools; (2) students of behavior analysis wishing to learn about its applications, accomplishments, and future research needs in education; and (3) anyone-pre-service education major, in-service teacher, school administrator, parent, or consumer-who has heard about the "behavioral approach" and wonders what it is all about.

This reader summarizes the issues, trends and findings found in behaviour analysis in education literature. The chapters consist of research, reviews, and/or position papers on higher education and professional development, research and measurement methodology, perspectives on the education of children and adults, and instructionaI applications. The authors share their assessment of past and present educational practice, as well as their vision for reform in the future.