Ep. 86- What makes BAP better than JABA?

Resources mentioned in this episode

1. 2 CEU course on Solving Clinical Challenges with Research- www.behavioristbookclub.com/solving
2. Critchfield et al., 2023- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40617-022-00744-2

Please contact Matt @ [email protected] if you have any questions or if you need help accessing the full article!

Full Transcript (Click for downloadable copy)

The following blog post was written by Chat GPT after providing the full transcript and requesting an accompanying blog post. For more information about why and how I use Chat GPT, please see this accompanying blog post -> Why I use Chat GPT for my Show Notes (behavioristbookclub.com)

Exploring the Intriguing World of Behavior Analysis in Practice

Introduction

Welcome to the Behaviorist Book Club, a captivating podcast that delves into the fascinating realm of Behavior Analysis in Practice. This podcast is designed to engage practitioners and enthusiasts alike in meaningful discussions about the dissemination and impact of Behavior Analysis in Practice (BAP). In this episode, we embark on an intriguing journey through the article "15 Years and Counting: The Dissemination Impact of Behavior Analysis in Practice," authored by Critchfield and colleagues in 2023. While the content may not always directly apply to your daily clinical work, the insights gleaned from this exploration shed light on the unique nature of this journal and its importance within the field of behavior analysis.

Understanding the Purpose and Audience

At the heart of this episode is the question of why Behavior Analysis in Practice exists and how its effectiveness can be measured. To comprehend the role of BAP, we must first differentiate it from its counterpart, the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA). The distinction lies in their primary audiences: while JABA caters to researchers advancing the applied science of behavior analysis, BAP is tailored to the needs of practitioners seeking practical methodologies and technology.

The Curious Origin of Behavior Analysis in Practice

BAP's existence might seem paradoxical at first glance, given that behavior analysis itself is inherently applied. This article delves into the unique history of BAP's inception, shedding light on the minds behind the journal's creation and their intentions. The thought-provoking discussions revolve around the journal's mission to provide practitioners with the flexibility and adaptability they need to effectively implement behavior analysis techniques in real-world, dynamic settings.

The Power of Soft Skills and Practicality

One of the standout features of Behavior Analysis in Practice is its emphasis on soft skills—those interpersonal and communication abilities crucial for building relationships with clients and caregivers. Compassion, empathy, and a practitioner's bedside manner significantly impact their effectiveness. BAP's focus on publishing articles that explore these soft skills and other practitioner-relevant topics underscores its commitment to equipping professionals with holistic tools that extend beyond traditional behavioral analysis techniques.

Exploring Altmetric Data: A New Way to Measure Impact

Intriguingly, this article introduces us to an alternative approach to measuring the impact of journal articles: altmetric data. While traditional impact scores primarily rely on citations, altmetric data delves into the online mentions, shares, and discussions surrounding published articles. This revolutionary method provides a more comprehensive understanding of an article's influence beyond the confines of academic circles. By analyzing the altmetric scores of BAP articles, we gain insights into the extent to which they resonate with practitioners, caregivers, and even researchers from other fields.

The Practitioner's Perspective

The episode's thoughtful insights encourage practitioners to embrace Behavior Analysis in Practice as a valuable resource. Although Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis remains essential, BAP offers practitioners more direct and efficient answers to their clinical queries. The practicality and actionable steps found in BAP articles make them a go-to source for those seeking immediate solutions for their real-world challenges. My personal experience of transitioning from a JABA enthusiast to a dedicated BAP advocate underscores the journal's practical significance in the day-to-day lives of behavior analysts.

Conclusion: Navigating the Dynamic Landscape of Behavior Analysis

In the ever-evolving landscape of behavior analysis, the Behaviorist Book Club podcast takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the pages of Behavior Analysis in Practice. By examining its purpose, audience, and unique contributions, this episode encourages practitioners and enthusiasts to recognize the journal's value as a dynamic and indispensable resource. As the podcast concludes, listeners are left with a newfound appreciation for Behavior Analysis in Practice and an eagerness to explore its impactful insights in their own professional journeys.