About our Books

How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst
is a revolutionary resource for understanding complex human behavior and making potentially significant quality of life improvements. Behavior analysts offer a worldview of the human condition different than almost any other professional perspective. To a behavior analyst, human behavior is largely learned and subject to change if the right variables are put into play. This is an empowering outlook, providing an opportunity for individuals to analyze the actions of those around them and an understanding of why others exhibit such behavior.
 
Practical, clear, and direct, this book addresses basic questions such as how behavior analysis is different from psychotherapy, what analysis involves, and the meaning of evidence-based treatment. A chapter on Applications presents tips on using behavioral procedures to improve lives and deal with others, and articulates how behavioral procedures are used in community settings. In question and answer format, the text thoroughly covers 50 frequently asked questions about behavior analysis in an educational and entertaining manner. It was developed out of questions raised by students in behavior analysis classes over the last 35 years, as well as questions raised by consumers of behavior analysis services.
 
This text is written for all professionals concerned with behavior, including undergraduate students in psychology and behavior analysis, parents, teachers, employers, and employees. The book can easily be used as a supplement to primary texts in introductory psychology courses, and the exercises that follow each question can be used to stimulate lively discussion in role-play and other active learning situations.

“Jon Bailey and Mary Burch have written a book the discipline of Applied Behavior Analysis drastically needs. It presents Applied Behavior Analysis so the public can reap the many benefits of this approach to improving human competence. More imp;ortantly, this text could serve as a supplementary reading in numerous psychology courses from Introductory Psychology to courses in Learning , OBM, Clinical Psychology, and even I/O Psychology."
--E. Scott Geller, Virginia Tech

"What a wonderful trip through the eyes of a behavior analyst! How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst provides guides to working on everything from the most challenging behaviors of a learner with autism to the much-needed training of your boyfriend to do your laundry. Reading ths manual is the best way to get a parent to understand what Applied Behavior Analysis is in very simple terms, something that has been long overdue int eh field of Autism! As founder of an organization to train parents and educators about Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis this will be the first reading assignment for our newcomers. It's brilliant and well written."
--Debora Harris, BCABA, co-Founder fo the Elija Foundation

Ethics for Behavior Analysts
Behavior analysis, a rapidly growing profession, began with the use and application of conditioning and learning techniques to modify the behavior of children or adults presenting severe management problems, often because of developmental disabilities. Now behavior analysts work in a variety of settings, from clinics and schools to workplaces. Especially since their practice often involves aversive stimuli or punishment, they confront many special ethical challenges. Recently, the Behavior Analysis Certification Board codified a set of ten fundamental ethical guidelines to be followed by all behavior analysts and understood by all students and trainees seeking certification.

This book shows readers how to follow the BACB guidelines in action. The authors first describe core ethical principles and then explain each guideline in detail, in easily comprehensible, everyday language. Ethics for Behavior Analysts is richly illuminated by more than a hundred vivid case scenarios about which the authors pose, and later answer questions for readers. Useful appendices include the BACB Guidelines, an index to them, practice scenarios, and suggested further reading.

Practitioners, instructors, supervisors, students, and trainees alike will welcome this invaluable new aid to professional development.

“The field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has experienced explosive growth over the last decade and a half. The over-riding goal of any ABA effort must be to increase the autonomy of the individual, his/her ability to make choices for his or her own life and to live independently within society. Unfortunately, many individuals who are supposedly providing ABA services have not received the training needed to engage in this effort responsibly, effectively, and ethically. Such individuals cannot therefore carry out the mission of ABA stated above. This book addresses the all-important ethical responsibilities of a behavior analyst, discussing the responsibilities of behavior analysts as regards their clients, colleagues, and the greater field. It should be required reading for anyone who wants to be involved in ABA. Perhaps most importantly for consumers, a familiarity with this book will allow a determination of the qualifications and ethical stances of prospective behavior analysts.”
--Bobby Newman

Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis
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.

Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis teaches the reader how to choose a research topic, how to identify a good setting for research, and how to access research settings. This text also teaches the reader to design a data collection system, conduct a pilot test, identify the appropriate research design, and to conduct an ethics check. The authors have included daily and weekly checklists for success and information is provided on the visual analysis of data. The final section of Research Methods (Part III. Going Public) addresses the practical skills needed to present research at a conference or to submit findings for publication.

There is no other practical, how-to handbook on Research Methods that so clearly outlines the steps for conducting behavioral research.

"There is a definite need for a ‘how to’ book such as this to train behavior analysts…The authors have a very thorough and understandable approach to the topics. They include lots of examples and everyday insights and practical tips that are valuable to new researchers…The strength of this book seems to be in the authors’ experience and sharing of practical advice to readers." 
--Don Patterson

How Dogs Learn
How Dogs Learn explores the fascinating science of operant conditioning, where science and dog training meet. How Dogs Learn explains the basic principles of behavior and how they can be used to teach your dog new skills, diagnose problems and eliminate unwanted behaviors. It's for anyone who wants to better understand the learning process in dogs. Every concept is laid out clearly and precisely, and its relevance to your dog and how you train is explained.

The authors, recognized experts in this field, are also experienced dog trainers, and they explain each operant conditioning principle using dog training examples. For the first time, behavioral procedures that are used with humans, such as Behavioral Diagnostics and Functional Analysis, have been translated for applications with dogs. How Dogs Learn will help all dog owners solve canine behavior problems and improve their proficiency as trainers.

"...this book should be on every animal trainer's bookshelf for future reference. How Dogs Learn covers the content of an undergraduate course in learning and behavior, but the examples are taken from dog training…it is practical and very useful without sacrificing scientific and technical accuracy."
--Jack Michael, PhD, Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University

Volunteering with Your Pet
Whether it's a bird, a cat, a horse, barnyard animal or traditional dog...whether it's a kindergarten class, a prisoner, a paraplegic or an AIDS patient, there are ways in which all sorts of pets can help people. This book discusses all the elements of animal-assisted therapy so that readers can learn what it takes to get involved and make a difference. Learn about therapy organizations, requirements for your pet and what to expect from this work.

"Dr. Mary Burch’s 'Volunteering with Your Pet' is a necessary manual for anyone who wishes to join the growing number of volunteers… supplementing conventional medicine with the healing potential of contact with animals."
--Dr. Aaron Katcher, Associate Professor Emeritus, Oral Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania

WANTED: Animal Volunteers
Now Completely Revised, the Definitive Guide for Animal Lovers Who Want to Get Involved in Animal-Assisted Therapy . . . For nursing home residents, AIDS patients, people with emotional or physical handicaps, and even prisoners, contact with animals can help lower blood pressure, release endorphins, and achieve specific treatment or program goals. This information-packed guide explains how you and your pet can make a difference in the lives of others.

Drawing from personal experience, extensive research, and heartwarming case studies, Mary Burch provides practical information for those wanting to volunteer with animals–from obtaining liability insurance to evaluating clients progress. Not just an arena for dogs or cats, animal-assisted activities can involve rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, farm animals, and just about any other kind of animal. With Wanted! Animal Volunteers youll discover what a difference you can make simply with your time, creativity, and love for animals.

The Border Collie; An Owner’s Guide To A Happy Healthy Pet
At last, a book about Border Collies that emphasizes total care, training and companionship! You'll not only learn about the species-specific traits of this remarkable breed, you'll also learn what the world's like from your Border Collie’s perspective; how to feed, groom and keep your dog healthy; and how to enjoy your Border Collie through training and activities you can do together. The Border Collie includes a special chapter on training by Dr. Ian Dunbar, internationally renowned animal behaviorist. Best of all, the book is filled with info-packed sidebars and fun facts to make caring for your Border Collie easy and enjoyable.