Behavior analysis is a subfield of psychology that attempts to identify and modify the factors in the environment that control behavior. It is an old and growing field. Furthermore, it involves both the discovery of basic behavioral principles and their application. The behavior-analytic research track exposes the undergraduate researcher to the three general areas of behavior-analytic research: the experimental analysis of human behavior, the experimental analysis of nonhuman behavior, and applied behavior analysis. The first two areas concern laboratory-based research on basic behavioral processes with humans and nonhumans (i.e., rats or mice). Applied behavior analysis examines how behavioral principles can be used to solve specific problems (e.g., helping autistic children acquire normal speach).

To complete the behavior-analytic research track, the student must earn specific classroom course credits and research course credits. In regards to classroom course credits, the student is expected to complete Psyc 331 (Behavior Modification and Therapy) and Psyc 433 (Psychology of Learning) with a grade of C or better. In regards to research course credits, the student is expected to complete 2 credits of Psyc 294 (Individual Research), 6 credits of Psyc 494 (Advanced Individual Research), and 2 credits of either Psyc 492 (Individual Projects in Psychology) or Psyc 489 (Senior Honors Thesis; for students enrolled in the Honors program), again with a grade of C or better. The research course credits must be taken in this order (294, 494, 492/489). The student's research experience also must be divided among the three faculty members specializing in behavior analysis. Specifically, the student must enroll in 2 or more credits studying the experimental analysis of human behavior with Dr. Jeff Weatherly, 2 or more credits studying the experimental analysis of nonhuman behavior with Dr. Adam Derenne, and 2 or more credits studying applied behavior analysis with Dr. Mike Himle (email addresses and links to their homepages appear on the left-hand side of the screen). Students are not required to work with these faculty in a specific order. Note that participation in the research programs of Drs. Weatherly, Derenne, and Himle requires instructor permission. Space in their research programs is limited, and a research experience in any given semester cannot be guaranteed.

Students who complete the research track will receive a document of recognition verifying that they have done so. The track is not a certificate program. The credits will appear on the student’s transcript, but the official transcript will not document that the track was completed. This research track is intended to provide in-depth experiences for students who wish to pursue research or work in behavior analysis or a related field.