Principles of Behavior

Known for both its narrative style and scientific rigor, Principles of Behavior is the premier introduction to behavior analysis. Through an exploration of experimental, applied, and theoretical concepts, the author summarizes the key conversations in the field, bringing the content to life using humorous and engaging language. The text’s tried-and-true pedagogy makes the content as clear as possible without oversimplifying the concepts.

Key features of this book include:

• Study objectives, key terms, and review questions that encourage students to check their understanding before moving on.
• Real-world examples and case studies illustrating key concepts and principles.
• New enrichment sections, demonstrating the way in which the principles of behavior can help us make sense of our everyday lives.

This is an essential resource for both introductory and intermediate courses in behavior analysis. It is carefully tailored to the length of a standard academic semester and how behavior analysis courses are taught, with each section corresponding to a week’s worth of coursework. The text can also function as the first step in a student’s journey into becoming a professional behavior analyst at the BA, MA, or PhD/EdD level. Each chapter of the text is integrated with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) task list, serving as an excellent primer to many of the BACB tasks.

Richard W. Malott taught and did research in experimental analysis, higher education, autism, and organizational behavior management. He was a co-founder of the Behavior Analysis program at Western Michigan University (WMU) and a co-founder of Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). He is currently chairman of the board of KABAS (Kalamazoo Academy for Behavioral and Accademic Success), a small K–6 school for children with special needs. He has received two Fulbright Senior Scholar Awards, WMU’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and ABAI’s Award for Public Service in Behavior Analysis.