Using Qualitative Methods in Behavior Analytic Research: A Practical Guide

Introduction

Behavior analysis has traditionally relied on small-n experimental designs to establish functional relationships between variables. However, the field is starting to recognize the value of qualitative research methods in understanding social significance, contextual influences, and stakeholder experiences.

A recent paper by Burney, Arnold-Saritepe, and McCann (2024) discusses how qualitative methods can be applied in behavior analytic research. This post summarizes key takeaways from their work and offers practical suggestions for behavior analysts interested in incorporating qualitative methods into their research.

Why Qualitative Methods Matter in Behavior Analysis

1. Expanding Research Questions

Quantitative research is powerful for measuring behavior change, but it often overlooks why interventions work in real-world settings. Qualitative methods allow researchers to:

• Explore the social significance of behavioral interventions.
• Investigate family, cultural, and systemic factors influencing behavior.
• Address developing topics like ethics, diversity, and accessibility in ABA.

For example, autism self-advocates have voiced concerns about ABA, and qualitative research can help understand their perspectives to refine interventions.

2. Enhancing Social Validity

Social validity refers to whether those affected by behavioral interventions find them meaningful. Qualitative methods help assess social validity by:

• Gathering perspectives from clients, caregivers, and professionals.
• Identifying preferences and concerns that quantitative data may overlook.
• Helping behavior analysts improve interventions based on stakeholder feedback.

Examples of Qualitative Research in Behavior Analysis

1. Parents' experiences with ABA interventions.
2. Autistic individuals' perspectives on behavior analysis.
3. Cultural and socioeconomic barriers to ABA services.

3. Complementing Quantitative Research

Rather than replacing quantitative methods, qualitative research enhances them by:

• Providing rich, descriptive insights not captured in numerical data.
• Identifying new variables and hypotheses for future experimental research.
• Enabling triangulation, where multiple data sources strengthen findings.

For example, a single-subject study may show that an intervention improves communication skills, but qualitative interviews with participants can reveal how they feel about using their new skills in everyday contexts.

Key Principles of Qualitative Research for Behavior Analysts

1. Understanding Epistemology

Epistemology is the study of how knowledge is created and what is considered "truth." Researchers should align their epistemological stance with their research goals. Three main perspectives include:

1. Post-positivism – Knowledge exists but is shaped by interpretation; researchers aim for objectivity.
2. Constructivism – Reality is socially constructed; knowledge is shaped by personal experiences and interactions.
3. Critical Theory – Knowledge is influenced by social, political, and cultural forces.

Each approach influences how data is collected and interpreted. Behavior analysts should understand these perspectives when designing qualitative research.

2. Aligning Research Questions with Methodology

Good qualitative research questions are:

• Open-ended (not yes/no).
• Focused on understanding, rather than measuring.
• Exploratory, seeking to capture experiences, perceptions, and meanings.

Examples of Strong Qualitative Questions in Behavior Analysis:

• How do caregivers perceive the impact of ABA on their child's daily life?
• What challenges do autistic adults report experiencing in ABA-based interventions?
• How do cultural beliefs influence parental acceptance of behavior analytic services?

These questions help uncover real-world insights that numbers alone cannot provide.

3. Choosing the Right Qualitative Method

There are several qualitative research approaches. Common methods relevant to behavior analysis include:

1. Interviews – One-on-one discussions that provide personal insights.
2. Focus groups – Group discussions to understand shared experiences.
3. Observations – Naturalistic or structured observations to document behavior in context.
4. Case studies – In-depth analysis of individuals or small groups.
5. Thematic analysis – Identifying patterns in qualitative data.

Behavior analysts should choose methods that align with their research goals and ethical considerations.

4. Ensuring Rigor and Credibility

Since qualitative research focuses on interpretation, it must be methodologically rigorous. Best practices include:

• Triangulation: Using multiple data sources (e.g., interviews + observations).
• Member checking: Returning findings to participants to confirm accuracy.
• Thick description: Providing detailed, contextual accounts of findings.

These strategies help ensure that qualitative findings are robust and credible.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

1. Integrating Qualitative Research into a Traditionally Quantitative Field

Behavior analysis has historically prioritized single-subject experimental designs, so some researchers may be skeptical of qualitative methods. Overcoming this requires:

• Educating the field on the value and rigor of qualitative research.
• Combining qualitative and quantitative methods (mixed-methods research).
• Publishing qualitative findings in behavior analytic journals to showcase their relevance.

2. Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research

Qualitative research often deals with personal experiences, so ethical concerns must be addressed:

• Informed consent: Participants should clearly understand their rights.
• Confidentiality: Researchers must protect participants' identities.
• Researcher bias: Reflexivity (self-awareness) helps minimize unintentional bias.

By adhering to strong ethical and methodological practices, behavior analysts can ensure that qualitative research contributes meaningfully to the field.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Qualitative research is an underutilized but powerful tool in behavior analysis. It helps to:

• Expand research questions beyond experimental control.
• Enhance social validity by amplifying stakeholder voices.
• Complement quantitative research by providing deeper context.

To successfully incorporate qualitative methods, behavior analysts should:

1. Develop strong, open-ended research questions.
2. Select appropriate qualitative methods.
3. Ensure rigor through triangulation and ethical research practices.

By integrating qualitative insights with traditional behavior analytic research, the field can achieve a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior.

Further Reading

For a deeper exploration of qualitative methods in behavior analysis, refer to the original article:

Burney, V., Arnold-Saritepe, A., & McCann, C. (2024). How Can Qualitative Methods Be Applied to Behavior Analytic Research: A Discussion and Suggestions for Implementation. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 431–441.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00917-1

By embracing qualitative research, behavior analysts can contribute to a more human-centered and socially meaningful science. 💡