Assessment and Measurement in Applied Behavior Analysis

“A sorely needed addition to the scholarly literature–it’s about time someone wrote this book! I recommend it for assessment courses.‖Matthew Brodhead, PhD, College of Education, Michigan State University“As Coordinator of Fresno State’s Master’s Program in ABA, I am not aware of any other resources that focus on measurement principles for behavior analysts. This is a useful text for courses that address the design, evaluation, and implementation of assessment tools in ABA.–Marianne L. Jackson, PhD, BCBA-D, Department of Psychology, California State University, Fresno

“Finding a text that offers the depth required for graduate-level training in assessment and measurement while remaining clear, accessible, and appropriate for advanced undergraduates is rare, but Padilla and Morgan achieve this balance effectively. This book is a valuable resource for teaching the essential skills that support the development of students, researchers, and practitioners in behavior analysis. The clear, measurable learning outcomes at the beginning of each chapter, along with the thoughtful reflection and discussion questions at the end, connect the readings to meaningful class dialogue and help foster an active learning environment. This text will serve as a powerful tool for anyone committed to strengthening students’ understanding of assessment and measurement.‖Genevieve DeBernardis, PhD, BCBA-D, Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno

“This book offers a valuable integration of conceptual foundations, historical context, and practical application in behavior-analytic assessment, with clear attention to core measurement issues such as reliability and validity. Rather than presenting assessment tools in isolation, Padilla and Morgan situate them within the core principles of ABA, supporting meaningful and ethical practice. The discussion questions add substantial instructional value, making the text especially useful for classroom and training settings. This text will benefit practitioners seeking to refresh and update their assessment knowledge, as well as students in behavior analysis programs.‖Andresa De Souza, PhD, BCBA-D, College of Education, University of Missouri–St. Louis

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Kristen L. Padilla, PhD, NCSP, BCBA

Dr. Kristen L. Padilla is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University and serves as the Director of the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing. Since joining the faculty in 2015, her teaching and practical training focus on assessment within applied behavior analysis (ABA), the intersection of ABA and school psychology, ethical considerations in ABA, and effective strategies for teaching children with autism and developmental disabilities. She also conducts training sessions on the fundamental concepts of measurement and their practical applications in ABA assessments. Dr. Padilla’s research interests include the utilization of skill acquisition instruments by ABA practitioners, as well as the validity and reliability of these instruments.

Grant B. Morgan, PhD

Dr. Grant B. Morgan is a Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University, where he also coordinates the doctoral specialization in quantitative methods. Additionally, he holds the position of Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development within the School of Education. Dr. Morgan’s formal training lies in psychometrics and quantitative methodology, and he possesses extensive experience in the design and execution of measurement-related research. Since becoming a member of the Baylor faculty in 2012, he has taught courses covering measurement, assessment, psychometric theory, research methods, and statistics. Dr. Morgan has contributed his expertise as a grant panelist for several federal agencies and has authored numerous articles and book chapters addressing both the applied and technical aspects of measurement.