Book
Applied Behavior Analysis
by John O. Cooper, Timothy E. Heron, and William L. Heward
📖 Overview
Applied Behavior Analysis serves as a core textbook and reference guide for practitioners and students in behavioral science. The text covers both foundational principles and practical applications of behavior analysis across clinical, educational, and organizational settings.
The book presents research methods, data collection procedures, and intervention strategies based on behavioral principles. Each chapter contains real-world examples, study questions, and detailed procedures for implementing behavioral techniques.
Through its systematic approach to analyzing and modifying behavior, the text addresses topics like reinforcement, punishment, stimulus control, and verbal behavior. The authors integrate ethics discussions throughout the content and provide guidelines for responsible practice.
This comprehensive work emphasizes evidence-based methods while exploring the broader implications of behavioral science for human development and learning. The text continues to influence how practitioners approach behavior change across multiple disciplines.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a comprehensive textbook used in graduate-level ABA programs. Students note its thoroughness in explaining behavioral principles and interventions.
Likes:
- Clear explanations of complex concepts
- Practical examples and case studies
- Updated research citations
- Strong technical foundation for certification exam prep
Dislikes:
- Dense academic writing style
- High price point ($150-200)
- Heavy physical weight
- Small font size
- Limited coverage of newer developments in the field
Ratings:
Amazon: 4.7/5 (473 reviews)
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (524 reviews)
Sample review quotes:
"Explains everything thoroughly but requires multiple readings to fully grasp" - Amazon reviewer
"Too expensive for what it is, but required for my program" - Goodreads reviewer
"The examples helped connect theory to practice" - BCBA student reviewer
Many readers recommend buying used copies or renting due to cost, while keeping digital versions for searchability.
📚 Similar books
Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis by Albert J. Kearney
This guide breaks down ABA principles into practical applications for teachers, parents, and practitioners working with individuals who have behavioral challenges.
Science and Human Behavior by B. F. Skinner This foundational text presents the core principles of behaviorism and their application to human psychology.
Verbal Behavior by B. F. Skinner The book provides a behavioral analysis of language development and communication that influences modern ABA practices.
Ethics for Behavior Analysts by Jon Bailey and Mary Burch This text examines ethical considerations and professional conduct guidelines for practitioners in the field of behavior analysis.
Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures by Raymond G. Miltenberger The book presents behavior modification techniques through research-based methods and real-world examples from clinical settings.
Science and Human Behavior by B. F. Skinner This foundational text presents the core principles of behaviorism and their application to human psychology.
Verbal Behavior by B. F. Skinner The book provides a behavioral analysis of language development and communication that influences modern ABA practices.
Ethics for Behavior Analysts by Jon Bailey and Mary Burch This text examines ethical considerations and professional conduct guidelines for practitioners in the field of behavior analysis.
Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures by Raymond G. Miltenberger The book presents behavior modification techniques through research-based methods and real-world examples from clinical settings.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 The first edition of Applied Behavior Analysis (1987) became known as "the white book" among practitioners and remained the field's definitive textbook for 20 years.
🔹 Co-author John O. Cooper developed one of the first special education teacher training programs in the United States at Ohio State University.
🔹 The book's methods have been successfully used to teach children with autism to communicate, help athletes improve performance, and assist companies in improving workplace safety.
🔹 Applied Behavior Analysis techniques described in the book were instrumental in teaching a young nonspeaking boy named Raun Kaufman, whose story became the book "Son-Rise" and an NBC television movie.
🔹 The third edition (2020) expanded to include new topics like behavioral economics and organizational behavior management, showing how ABA principles apply beyond special education settings.