Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Al Poling is a Professor of Psychology at Western Michigan University. He received his B.A. from Alderson-Broaddus College, his M.A. from West Virginia University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. A Fellow of the Association for Behavior Analysis International and Divisions 3, 25, and 28 of the American Psychological Association, Al has published 12 books and over 350 articles and book chapters and served as the research advisor of 37 Ph.D. recipients. With them and other colleagues Al has conducted research and done conceptual work in several areas, including behavioral pharmacology, clinical psychopharmacology (with special emphasis on the effects of psychotropic drugs in people with the autism spectrum disorder), applied behavior analysis, gender issues, animal welfare, quantitative analysis, learning processes, research methods, and scent detection. Their work has been published in more than 50 different journals. Al was recognized as a Distinguished Faculty Scholar at Western Michigan University in 1996 and as a Distinguished Alumnus of West Virginia University in 1999. In 2003, he received the Western Michigan University College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creative Activity Award. In 2016, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Association of Behavior Analysis, a Translational Research Award from the Association for Behavior Analysis International, and an International Humanitarian Award from the American Psychological Association.

Experimental Analysis of Behavior: A Primer for Practitioners is an accurate summary of EAB that focuses on implications for practitioners (applied behavior analysts). The book follows the Behavior Analyst Certification Boards Fourth Edition Task List and then goes beyond the required 8-hour supervision training to teach important clinical skills like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Relational Frame Theory (RFT), Executive Function skills, Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), and Curriculum-Based Measures. This resource will help readers understand behavior and the variables that affect it. This sophistication will enhance their ability to produce quality research and interact with colleagues from across other disciplines.

1. Introduction to the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) 2. The relation between EAB and applied behavior analysis 3. Fundamental concepts 4. Schedules of reinforcement 5. Punishment 6. Respondent conditioning and operant-respondent interaction 7. Stimulus control 8. Choice 9. Behavioral pharmacology