Assessment and Measurement in Applied Behavior Analysis

Kristen L. Padilla and Grant B. Morgan

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June 25, 2026
ISBN 9781462563210
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280 Pages
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June 25, 2026
ISBN 9781462563203
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280 Pages
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June 25, 2026
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Bridging the science of measurement and the practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA), this is the first comprehensive guide to reliability, validity, and evidence-centered design within a behavior-analytic framework. Students and ABA practitioners will benefit from the text's real-world case studies and clear connections to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's BCBA Task List. Readers learn not only how to select, use, and interpret function- and skill-based behavioral assessments, but also how to critically evaluate their quality and appropriateness using contemporary measurement theory. Facilitating ethical, data-driven decision making across clinical, educational, and research settings, the text includes chapter-opening objectives, end-of-chapter reflection and discussion questions, and a glossary.

“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

About the Authors

Kristen L. Padilla, PhD, NCSP, BCBA, is Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University and Director of the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing. Since she began teaching at Baylor in 2015, Dr. Padilla has taught courses and practica pertaining to assessment in applied behavior analysis (ABA), ABA and school psychology, ethics in ABA, and teaching children with autism and developmental disabilities. She has also provided trainings on foundational concepts in measurement and their applications to assessments used in ABA. Dr. Padilla's research interests include the use of skill acquisition instruments by ABA practitioners and the validity and reliability of these instruments.

Grant B. Morgan, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University, where he coordinates the quantitative methods doctoral specialization. He also serves as Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development in the School of Education. Dr. Morgan is formally trained as a psychometrician and quantitative methodologist, and has extensive experience designing and conducting measurement-related research. Since joining the Baylor faculty in 2012, he has taught courses in measurement, assessment, psychometric theory, research methods, and statistics. Dr. Morgan has served as a grant panelist for multiple federal agencies and has published numerous articles and book chapters on applied and technical aspects of measurement.

Audience

Students in special education, counseling, and clinical and educational psychology; researchers and practitioners who use ABA.

Course Use

Serves as a core or supplemental text in undergraduate- and graduate-level courses, such as Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis, Measurement and Evaluation in Special Education or Applied Psychology, Single-Case Design and Data Analysis, and Ethics and Professional Issues in Behavior Analysis.