April 2, 2024
Updated April 16, 2025
16 minute read
Behavior Analyst: A Career in Understanding and Changing Behavior
A Behavior Analyst is a professional trained in the science of behavior, known as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). At its core, this field focuses on understanding why people (and sometimes animals) behave the way they do and using that knowledge to help bring about meaningful, positive changes. Behavior Analysts apply scientific principles to observe, analyze, and modify behavior, aiming to improve skills and reduce behaviors that might be harmful or prevent learning.
g2kib5|
Find a path to becoming a Behavior Analyst. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/career/g2kib5/behavior
Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Behavior Analyst.
This comprehensive guide provides an overview of autism spectrum disorders, including the latest research on causes, diagnosis, and treatment. It is written by leading experts in the field and valuable resource for parents, professionals, and anyone else who wants to learn more about autism.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, a widely used model for understanding and changing behavior. It offers practical strategies for overcoming bad habits and making lasting change.
Explores the psychological dynamics that can lead good people to commit atrocities, making it highly relevant to understanding the dangers of blind obedience.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of change, including the theories, models, and research on how people change.
This comprehensive guide provides teachers with a deep understanding of learning disabilities, their assessment, and effective teaching strategies. It covers various types of learning disabilities, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia, and offers practical guidance on how to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Explores social psychology as it relates to understanding behavior and behavior change in individuals.
This memoir by John Elder Robison provides a deeply personal account of living with Asperger's syndrome. Robison's honest and often humorous insights offer a valuable perspective on the challenges and triumphs of life with autism.
Provides a practical guide for parents of children with autism. It covers a wide range of topics, including diagnosis, treatment, and educational options. Fonseca's clear and concise writing style makes this book a valuable resource for parents who are seeking information and support.
Explores the psychological foundations of moral judgment and political behavior, delving into the ways that obedience is influenced by our values and beliefs.
Explores the science of habit formation and provides insights into how to change our habits.
Provides a step-by-step guide to motivational interviewing, a counseling approach that helps people explore and resolve ambivalence about change.
Explores the concept of nudges, small changes in the environment that can encourage positive behavior change.
Focuses on the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood settings. It provides practical strategies for creating inclusive environments, adapting curriculum, and supporting the development of all children.
A political fable that satirizes totalitarianism, Animal Farm uses animal characters to explore the dynamics of power, obedience, and revolution.
Provides a practical guide to behavior change for counselors and clients.
Unique and powerful memoir written by a thirteen-year-old boy with autism. Higashida's insights into his own mind and experiences offer a valuable perspective on the challenges and joys of living with autism.
This young adult novel tells the story of a high school experiment that creates a fascist society, demonstrating the ease with which people can be led to obey.
Classic in the field of personal development. Covey outlines seven habits that he believes are essential for success in all areas of life. The book is full of practical advice and examples, and it has helped millions of people to improve their lives.
Explores the power of mindset. Dweck argues that our mindset can have a profound impact on our success in life. She outlines two types of mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe that their intelligence and abilities are fixed, while people with a growth mindset believe that they can improve their intelligence and abilities through effort.
This collection of neurological case studies includes a chapter on a patient with a condition that impairs his ability to obey commands, offering insights into the neural basis of obedience.
Provides a practical guide for families of individuals with autism. LaZebnik covers a wide range of topics, including diagnosis, treatment, and educational options. Her compassionate and supportive writing style makes this book a valuable resource for families who are seeking information and support.
Focuses on literacy instruction for students with learning disabilities. It provides research-based strategies for teaching reading, writing, and spelling, and addresses the specific challenges faced by students with different types of learning disabilities.
Explores the irrational side of human behavior. Ariely argues that we are often not as rational as we think we are. He provides a variety of examples of irrational behavior, such as our tendency to overpay for things we want or our tendency to procrastinate. The book is written in a clear and engaging style, and it is full of fascinating stories and examples.
An ancient Chinese military treatise, this book emphasizes the importance of discipline and obedience in achieving victory in battle.
Provides a thorough overview of special education law. It covers the major federal and state laws that govern special education, as well as the legal rights of students with disabilities and their parents.
Explores the science of willpower. McGonigal argues that willpower is not a fixed trait, but a skill that can be developed. She provides a variety of tips and exercises for increasing willpower, such as setting realistic goals, breaking down large tasks into smaller ones, and practicing self-compassion.
Explores the power of vulnerability. Brown argues that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength. She provides a variety of stories of people who have embraced vulnerability and achieved great things, and she outlines a number of strategies for developing vulnerability in ourselves.
Explores the power of grit. Duckworth argues that grit is not just about talent or intelligence, but about perseverance and resilience. She provides a variety of stories of people who have achieved great things through grit, and she outlines a number of strategies for developing grit in ourselves.
Provides a comprehensive overview of health behavior theory. Bartholomew and Mark outline the different theories of health behavior, and they provide a variety of strategies for using theory to develop and evaluate health behavior interventions.
Provides a historical and philosophical overview of special education. It traces the evolution of special education from its early roots to the present day, and examines the ethical and philosophical issues that have shaped the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of autism and Asperger's syndrome. Myles, Volkmar, and Courchesne are leading experts in the field and their book valuable resource for parents, professionals, and anyone else who wants to learn more about autism and Asperger's syndrome.
Provides a comprehensive overview of autism spectrum disorders for teachers and professionals. Lord and Rutter are leading experts in the field and their book valuable resource for anyone who works with individuals with autism.
This practical guide provides information and advice for parents and carers of children with special educational needs. It covers a wide range of topics, including understanding the different types of special educational needs, getting a diagnosis, and accessing support services.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/career/g2kib5/behavior
Save
