Association for Behavior Analysis International

The health of behavior-analytic science and the practice of applied behavior analysis depends on the publication of basic, applied, and translational research. However, relatively few behavior analysts contribute to the research base in our field. This could be partly attributed to the fact that a vast majority of behavior analysts are clinically focused practitioners and may not have received mentorship preparing them for ongoing research. Thus, there is a need for guidance and resources to focus on conducting research to help enable a more diverse array of behavior analysts to conduct research. The path to becoming a productive researcher is often laborious and complicated but may be made easier by garnering support from those with prior experience. This panel seeks to provide information about finding a research niche, effectively conducting research, and publishing articles. In the discussion, productive behavior-analytic researchers will be asked to discuss their personal experiences finding their area of research and the process of disseminating their findings.

Behavior analysts working – or wanting -- to address systemic social-cultural problems need a thorough understanding of the multi-level context in which the issue is embedded, knowledge that almost always is found in disciplines other than behavior analysis. This PDS panel, sponsored by Behaviorists for Social Responsibility SIG, brings to the attention of behavior analysts three recent books of social importance, with the goal to both inform and prompt further interest in the target social problems. Each panelist will offer commentary on one book. Mark Alavosius will reflect on “The Sustainability Tales: How University Teachers Could Make the World Better” (2025) by Kerry Shephard. Jonathan Krispin will discuss “Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist” (2017) by Kate Raworth. And Rich Rakos will comment on “The Weight of Nature: How a Changing Climate Changes Our Brains” (2024) by Clayton Page Aldern. Each of the panelists will present a brief overview or summary of the book’s main thesis, identify its strengths, offer critiques, and suggest links with or relevance for behavior analysis and Culturo-Behavior Science. Panelists will limit their commentary to 10-12 minutes each, leaving time for panelist interaction and audience participation.

The target audience is composed of behavior analysts and students in behavior analysis who, now more than ever, are aware of the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the factors that characterize and affect the functioning of the society they live in, as well as the future development of the Science of Behavior domain.