Research Ethics in Behavior Analysis

The behavior analytic research community emphasizes within-subject research methodologies to study relations between individual behavior and the environment. This is unique as behavior analytic practitioners can then replicate directly the research they read when determining whether a research finding applies to the clients with whom they work. Research Ethics in Behavior Analysis: From Laboratory to Clinic and Classroom is a reference guide for behavior analysts who conduct, supervise, or consume research specific to behavior analysis. This book is sequenced to follow the natural research process, beginning with an introduction to the history of research ethics that led to modern principles and values of scientific research ethics. The reader is taken through sequential steps from obtaining resources to support a research project through participant recruitment, conducting the study, communicating results, and supporting replication. Each chapter incorporates critical and under-discussed topics unique to research ethics in behavior analysis such as diversity, equity, and inclusion in the research process; balancing methodological rigor with clinical outcomes; aligning research and clinical goals; assessing generalization of research findings; the gray lines of assent and consent for intervention versus research; identifying and obtaining resources to support research; conflicts of interest; using technology and social media; and ethically handling data.

David J. Cox, Ph.D., M.S.B., BCBA-D currently works as the VP of Data Science at RethinkFirst and is faculty at the Institute for Applied Behavioral Science at Endicott College. Dr. Cox has earned a M.S. in Bioethics from Union Graduate College; a PhD in behavior analysis from the University of Florida; a post-doctoral fellowship at the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; and a post-doctoral fellowship at Insight! Data Science. Since 2014, Dr. Cox’s research and applied work has focused on how to effectively leverage technology, quantitative modeling, and artificial intelligence to ethically optimize behavioral health outcomes and clinical decision-making. Based on his individual and collaborative work, he has published 50+ peer-reviewed articles, three books, and 150+ presentations at scientific conferences.

Dr. Noor Syed (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis, Clinical Coordinator, and founding Director of the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Services (CAARES) with SUNY Empire State College. She has recently been named the Turben Director of Autism Advocacy. The Center’s primary initiative is to help SUNY Empire become a fully inclusive and supportive college for those who identify as neurodiverse through a multi-tiered system of support framework. In addition, Dr. Syed coordinates a Masters of Science program in ABA through SUNY Empire. She is the Director of Anderson Center International, an organization dedicated to building compassionate, sustainable resources for evidenced-based practices globally, an Adjunct Doctoral Advisor in ABA with Endicott College, and a certified general and special education teacher. Dr. Syed also serves on the ABA Ethics Hotline. Her interests lie in compassionate care, cultural humility, and social justice through an analysis of equity, diversity, and inclusion. She received her undergraduate degree in ABA under Dr. Raymond G. Romanczyk in the Institute for Child Development at Binghamton University and completed her PhD in ABA with Dr. R. Douglas Greer at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Matthew T. Brodhead, Ph.D., BCBA-D is an Associate Professor in the College of Education at Michigan State University. Like many before him, his interests in behavior analysis and autism began at Croyden Avenue School in Kalamazoo, MI. Raised in Harbor Springs, Michigan, United States, he has an undying passion for spending time in the great outdoors. When he can’t get outside, he enjoys listening to and playing music, and in a previous life, he used to tour with a funk bank. You can learn more about his work by visiting his Web site, www.mattbrodhead.com.

Shawn Quigley is the Chief Operating Office for Melmark. Dr. Quigley received his Master’s in Education at Idaho State University and then went on to Western Michigan University where he completed his Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis. Prior to joining the Melmark team, he completed a post-doctoral psychology fellowship with the University of New Mexico Medical Group. He stayed with University of New Mexico Medical Group as a manager of behavior services, working to increase access to behavior analytic providers, supporting advocacy groups, and developing state regulatory guidelines for service delivery. Dr. Quigley has worked as a direct support professional, behavior analyst, trainer, and administrator providing services in homes, schools, residential and community settings. These experiences provided a strong foundation for understanding service development, regulatory requirements, scope of competence issues, and resource allocation. Dr. Quigley actively supports the profession through practice, research, teaching, and service.