First Course in Applied Behavior Analysis

by Paul Chance

In this creative, engaging approach to behavior analysis, written in clear, jargon-free language, Chance blends realistic examples with research and case studies. The text includes excerpts from formidable works by respected scholars, exposing readers to significant insights about how behaviorists solve behavior problems. Chance wants his readers to learn the language of behavior analysis, to become acquainted with the most important procedures for changing behavior, and to recognize that scientific method can be used successfully to solve problems. He has created an interactive classroom experience to facilitate the learning and application of practical solutions to behavior problems. In a simulated classroom, course content is presented by Dr. Cee a fictional instructor whose lectures are punctuated by frequent questions designed to keep readers on their toes and to think critically about a particular topic. This authoritative yet comprehensible text is written for an audience that includes parents, teachers, counselors, psychologists, therapists, and social workers. Titles of related interest also from Waveland Kazdin, Behavior Modification in Applied Settings, Seventh Edition (9781577667803); Lutz, Learning and Memory, Second Edition (ISBN 9781577663614); and Todd-Bohart, Foundations of Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Fourth Edition (ISBN 9781577664109).

Genres: Psychology

483 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 1997

Reviews

[Sierra Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a text for my Behaviour Intervention course and I loved it. I don’t think I’ve ever picked up a textbook and looked forward to what I was about to learn. The style of writing is so inclusive and made it very motivating for me to read!!

[Patrick Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s incredibly possible that this will be the only time I give a 5 star rating to a textbook. This was a superbly fresh take on providing specific course content in a relatable and concise tone with intermixed theory. Since the branch of Behavior Analysis is relatively new in the Psychology field we don’t have enough literary attention on this subject, but this book took the information and provided a mock classroom setting where you could learn and giggle coyly amongst your “peers”. The ideas in this book are not grounded in permanence since this field will have more to offer in advanced courses and through more scholarly conversation, but this was a more than fabulous introduction to the world of behavior change.

[Ashley Aselin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for school but has really good ideas on changing behavior as a teacher and parent.