What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Research Methods for Behavior Analysis (3 Credits)
Heyyy BCBA Ruby here!
As behavior analysts, we’re constantly engaging with data to inform our decisions and make evidence-based recommendations for our clients. But what happens when you’re the one designing the research or critically evaluating existing studies? That’s exactly what you’ll tackle in Research Methods for Behavior Analysis. This course dives into the nuts and bolts of how we conduct research in our field and how to interpret data to make sure it’s meaningful.
Looking back on my experience with this course, I wish I had known a few things ahead of time to better prepare myself for what was in store. Research Methods for Behavior Analysis is intense, full of detailed concepts, and requires a sharp attention to detail—but it’s also extremely rewarding once you get the hang of it. Here’s what I wish I knew before jumping into this course and how you can set yourself up for success.
It’s Not Just About Understanding Research—It’s About Doing It
When I first started, I thought the course would mainly be about reading research studies and learning how to apply the findings to my own work with clients. While that was a part of it, I quickly learned that this course is about actively designing and conducting your own research. You’ll be required to plan, execute, and analyze research projects, which can be intimidating if you’ve never done research before.
The biggest challenge for me was figuring out how to set up studies that were both ethical and methodologically sound. We’re not just learning about research—we’re learning how to contribute to the field by conducting research that is high-quality, reliable, and valid. This means creating experiments with solid experimental designs, collecting data accurately, and interpreting results critically.
Data Is King—But You’ll Need to Be Critical of It
In Research Methods for Behavior Analysis, you’ll be working with data constantly. Whether it’s designing data collection sheets or analyzing results, the importance of accurate data can’t be overstated. But what I didn’t realize at first was that you don’t just need to collect data—you also need to analyze it critically.
You’ll spend a lot of time reviewing existing research, and the key takeaway from that process is to never just take the results at face value. Data can be manipulated, misinterpreted, or not representative of the true population, and learning how to spot flaws in a study and interpret the results critically is one of the most important skills you’ll develop in this course.
Experimental Design Is More Complex Than I Thought
I went into this course thinking experimental design would be relatively simple. However, once I started working on my own research designs, I quickly realized how many variables I needed to account for. There are so many factors to consider when designing an experiment, from control variables to ethical considerations, and each design method comes with its own strengths and weaknesses.
One of the most challenging aspects for me was learning about single-subject research designs, which are commonly used in ABA. You’ll have to become comfortable with terms like AB design, reversal design, and multiple baseline design, and learn how to apply these designs effectively. Understanding how to balance the ethical implications of a study with methodological rigor is something I wish I had prepared for better.
The Importance of Replication
In Research Methods, you’ll also learn that replication is at the heart of good research. One study doesn’t prove anything—it's the repetition of findings that solidifies evidence. This is especially important in behavior analysis because many of our interventions are based on studies conducted in very specific settings. You’ll need to evaluate whether those studies are generalizable to the populations you work with and whether the findings can be replicated under different conditions.
I realized that even if I conducted a perfect study, it wasn’t enough. It’s essential to reproduce studies or build upon existing research to strengthen the evidence base. This made me appreciate the value of incremental progress in our field and understand that research isn’t just about the “big findings”—it’s about continuous improvement.
Writing and Presenting Research Is a Skill You’ll Need to Master
In this course, you’re not just conducting research—you’re also going to write about it and present it. The emphasis is on learning how to communicate your findings clearly and effectively to a wider audience. Writing research papers, even in the form of proposals, requires you to present your findings in a structured, formal way that includes methodology, results, and implications for future research.
One thing I didn’t expect was how much effort would go into presenting research clearly and in a way that could stand up to critical review. The experience of writing formal research papers and participating in discussions with classmates about each other’s work helped me develop my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly—a skill that has been invaluable in my career.
Key Takeaways for Research Methods in ABA
You’re not just learning about research—you’re conducting it: This course is a deep dive into experimental design and data collection.
Data is important, but critical analysis is key: Learn how to evaluate research and interpret data with a critical eye.
Experimental design is more complex than you think: It’s about balancing methodological rigor with ethical considerations.
Replication strengthens research: Understand the importance of replicating studies to build a stronger evidence base.
Writing and presenting research is a skill: You’ll need to master both the technical aspects of research and the communication skills to present it effectively.
Final Thoughts
Research Methods for Behavior Analysis will challenge you to think critically, creatively, and analytically. It’s not a course you can breeze through—it takes effort, attention to detail, and persistence. But the skills you develop in this class will not only help you become a better researcher—they will also make you a more effective behavior analyst.
So, if you're about to take this course, get ready to dive deep into the world of research. Embrace the complexity, and remember that even when things get tough, the skills you gain will make you a stronger, more well-rounded professional in the long run.
Until next time, keep researching, keep learning, and keep growing as a behavior analyst! 💙
