Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis, 2nd Edition Doody's Expert Review Review Questionnaire ISBN: 9781462543755 ISBN-10: 1462543758 Copyright: 2021 Edition: 2nd Editor: Fisher, Wayne W., Piazza, Cathleen C., Roane, Henry S., Doody's Expert Review    Score: 97 Doody's Star Rating™ and Doody's Expert Review provide by Doody Enterprises, Inc. Reviewer: Gary Kaniuk,  PsyD  (Cermak Health Services) Description The book describes the different aspects of applied behavior analysis, including theory, assessment, and intervention. In addition, it explores ethical issues and professional certification. This is the second edition, with the first published in 2013. Purpose According to the book, "widely regarded as the authoritative work on the principles and practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA), this indispensable volume is now in a revised and expanded second edition. Leading experts present evidence-based procedures for supporting positive behaviors and reducing problem behaviors with children and adults in diverse contexts." These are very worthy objectives, which the book meets. Audience According to the book, "covering everything from behavioral assessment and measurement to the design and implementation of individualized interventions, the Handbook is a complete reference and training tool for ABA practitioners and students." The book meets the needs of its intended audience. The editors are credible authorities in the subject matter of the book. Wayne W. Fisher is a professor at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and faculty member at the Brain Health Institute. He is interested in the treatment of autism and severe behavior problems. He has published extensively in the field, with over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles, and has won awards for his work. Cathleen C. Piazza is a professor at Rutgers University. Her research looks at feeding disorders. She is former editor of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and has served in professional organizations. Henry S. Roane is a professor at the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate. He is the editor of Behavioral Development and has co-authored over 100 research articles and chapters in childhood behavior disorders. The other contributors are from the United States and the United Kingdom and are affiliated with well-known institutions of higher learning. Features The book begins with an introduction to the topic. The three parts of behavior analysis include behaviorism, experimental behavior analysis, and applied behavior analysis. Behaviorists believe that all behavior has a purpose and can be explained by observation and controlled by manipulation of environmental variables. Part II looks at basic principles. Pavlovian conditioning is seen as selection by reinforcement. Operant conditioning is explained by response-consequence contingencies. Part III focuses on methodological design. In order to measure behavior, one must consider accuracy, validity, and reliability issues. Single case experimental designs help the clinician discover specific variables which influence behavior. Part IV explores behavioral assessment. Positive reinforcement is used to increase positive behaviors. Direct observation is known as a descriptive method, where naturally occurring events are observed with no functional relation between them. There are interventions for decreasing problematic behavior such as extinction, social positive reinforcement, and token economies. The book ends with a discussion of professional issues. There are three levels of ethical issues. These are meta-ethics, normative ethics, and descriptive ethics. Clinicians practicing applied behavior analysis should be credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The book is easy to read and contains numerous figures/tables, which help clarify the text. It has both an author and subject index. There are no obvious shortcomings of the book. Assessment This book is excellent because it provides a comprehensive overview of applied behavior analysis. It explores theory, assessment, and intervention. The second edition justifies replacing the first because there are new chapters and updated material. Readers will not be disappointed with this fine publication. Review Questionnaire Range Question Score 1-10 Are the author's objectives met? 10 1-10 Rate the worthiness of those objectives. 10 1-5 Is this written at an appropriate level? 5 1-5 Is there significant duplication? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 5 1-5 Are there significant omissions? (1=significant, 5=insignificant) 5 1-5 Rate the authority of the authors. 5 1-5 Are there sufficient illustrations? 5 1-5 Rate the pedagogic value of the illustrations. 5 1-5 Rate the print quality of the illustrations. 4 1-5 Are there sufficient references? 5 1-5 Rate the currency of the references. 5 1-5 Rate the pertinence of the references. 5 1-5 Rate the helpfulness of the index. 5 1-5 If important in this specialty, rate the physical appearance of the book N/A 1-10 Is this a worthwhile contribution to the field? 10 1-10 If this is a 2nd or later edition, is this new edition needed? 8 ©2024 Doody Enterprises, Inc.