Rethinking the Place of Qualitative Methods in Behavior Analysis

Abstract

Single-case design research is pervasive and dominant in the field of behavior analysis (BA). It allows for effective application of behavior change technologies in a wide variety of real-world settings. However, as the field has grown, behavioral scholars have suggested incorporating other methods into the investigator’s toolbox to supplement single-case design. To date, the call to expand beyond using only variations of single-case design as the standard for behavior analytic research has gone largely unheard. Given the need for behavior analytic work to be more closely aligned with consumer and stakeholder needs and priorities, along with a proliferation of practitioners and researchers in the field, now is the time to consider the benefits of qualitative research methods for behavior analysts. In particular, in areas of social validity and in exploring diverse applied topics, qualitative methods may help the field of behavior analysis to achieve greater success with documenting the outcomes from behavior change interventions. The present article explores areas where behavior analysis may benefit from utilizing qualitative methods, namely social validity and breadth of topics for study, and provides examples of the value of qualitative research from other fields. A brief outline of qualitative research is provided alongside consideration of the seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis. In situations where single-case design does not offer behavior analysts sufficient methodological opportunity, qualitative research methods could form a powerful addition to the field of behavior analysis.

Evaluating convergent validity between RAISD and MSWO rankings across informants

“…Regardless of informant or context in which stimuli are available, it is well‐established that socially valid procedures are more likely to produce sustainable intervention implementation (Burney et al., 2023; Kennedy, 2002). Despite generally null findings of this study, incorporating stakeholder choice, particularly the individual who is participating in the MSWOs, is beneficial as demonstrated by the acceptability of these procedures (Hanley, 2010).…”

“…Regardless of informant or context in which stimuli are available, it is well-established that socially valid procedures are more likely to produce sustainable intervention implementation (Burney et al, 2023;Kennedy, 2002).…”

How Can Qualitative Methods Be Applied to Behavior Analytic Research: A Discussion and Suggestions for Implementation

“…Although markedly different to traditional behavior analytic approaches to investigation, which prioritize focus on observable, discrete behaviors through single-subject manipulations, qualitative methods satisfy some dimensions of behavior analysis (Baer et al, 1968 ) deemed critical for robust inquiry (see Burney et al, 2023 , for additional discussion). In particular, qualitative research can be congruent with the applied, technical, and generalizable dimensions of behavior analysis.…”

“…More recently, questions around the social validity of behavior analytic endeavors (including the social significance of goals, social appropriateness of procedures, and the social importance of outcomes; Wolf, 1978 ), as well as burgeoning interest in novel, or less well-defined, topics for study (including explorations of equity and social movements; Critchfield & Reed, 2017 ) have led behavior analysts to consider additional methodological tools for investigation of topics relevant to the field and wider world (Heward et al, 2022 ). Qualitative approaches have been identified as useful for behavior analysts asking questions focused on experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints (Burney et al, 2023 ), such as “how do stakeholders experience school based behavioral supports?” and “what functions are involved in determining effective climate change responses?”…”