Research Ethics in Behavior Analysis
From Laboratory to Clinic and Classroom

A complete guide on the design and application of research ethics in behavior analysis

David J. Cox (Edited by), Noor Syed (Edited by), Matthew T. Brodhead (Edited by), Shawn P Quigley (Edited by)

9780323909693, Elsevier Science

Paperback / softback, published 9 November 2022

288 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.48 kg

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.

1. History of Research Ethics in Science and in Behavior Analysis
2. Principles and Values Guiding Modern Scientific Research
3. Obtaining Resources to Support a Research Project
4. Ethical Issues in Research Topic Selection
5. Subject Recruitment, Consent, & Assent
6. Ethical Considerations with Balancing Clinical Effectiveness with Research Design
7. Conducting Research in Applied Settings (aligning research and applied goals)
8. Data Handling
9. Ethically Communicating Research Findings (Data Analysis & Significance of Findings, Dissemination in- and outside BA)
10. Supporting the Replication of Your Research

Subject Areas: Educational psychology [JNC], Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR], Physiological & neuro-psychology, biopsychology [JMM], Experimental psychology [JML], Child & developmental psychology [JMC], Cognitive science [GTR]