Experimental Analysis of Behavior Readings Assigned by Accredited Master's Degree Programs in Behavior Analysis

Behav Anal Pract. 2018 Nov 12;12(1):12-21. doi: 10.1007/s40617-018-00301-w. eCollection 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Although a foundation in the basic science of behavior represents a common goal of practitioners and educators of behavior analysis, the content covered in master's degree-level courses on the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) can vary widely across university programs. The purpose of our study was to analyze the syllabi of master's degree programs accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International to develop a list of common readings and topics in EAB coursework that might be useful for curricular development. We identified the most frequently cited references, journals, and participant characteristics. We found commonalities among the syllabi with regard to the types of readings assigned and the topics covered. We discussed our findings in terms of current trends in EAB and quality graduate training in behavior analysis.

Keywords: Basic science; Essential readings; Experimental analysis of behavior; Graduate training.