Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research and Practice

A Trusted Guide to Behavioral Research Methods

For more than four decades, this classic text has helped researchers, students, and practitioners understand how to design, measure, and evaluate behavioral interventions. Now in its fourth edition, Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research and Practice brings the rigor of behavior analysis to real-world research and service settings.

What Makes This Edition Essential

The authors have expanded the original focus on experimental methodology to address the needs of today’s practitioners. You’ll find new chapters on behavioral assessment, statistical analysis of data, and ethical issues, along with fresh examples drawn from field research and service delivery. The book emphasizes direct behavioral measurement and within-subject research designs, helping you make sound decisions about control and intervention comparisons.

Core Topics Covered

• Scientific methods as behavioral contingencies
• Defining and measuring target behaviors
• Dimensions of behavior and units of measurement
• Observation and recording strategies
• Behavioral assessment tools and procedures
• Evaluating measurement quality
• Understanding behavioral variability and steady states
• Designing behavioral comparisons
• Single baseline and multiple baseline designs
• Graphical analysis of behavioral data

Built for Learning and Application

This edition includes pedagogical features such as key terms, summary tables, and helpful figures. Updated examples and suggested readings make the content accessible to students while remaining rigorous enough for experienced researchers. The authors draw on decades of combined experience in behavior analysis, psychology, and education.

Who Will Benefit

This book is ideal for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals in behavior analysis, psychology, education, social work, and related health sciences. Whether you’re designing a single-subject experiment, evaluating a clinical intervention, or teaching research methods, this text provides the conceptual and practical foundation you need.

About the Authors

James M. Johnston is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Auburn University. Henry S. Pennypacker is Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida. Gina Green is Chief Executive Officer at the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts. Together they bring a wealth of academic and applied experience to this authoritative volume.

Continue Your Research with Confidence

With its focus on direct measurement, experimental analysis, and practical interpretation, Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research and Practice remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about understanding and changing behavior through sound scientific methods.