Evaluating Professional Behavior Analysts' Literature Searches

Area of Science:

• Behavior Analysis
• Professional Development
• Information Science

Background:

• The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) mandates continuing competence through literature review for behavior analysts.
• Understanding how professionals access and utilize behavior analytic literature is crucial for evidence-based practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the frequency and methods professional behavior analysts use to search for and access behavior analytic literature.
• To identify preferred online resources and gauge satisfaction with available research materials.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 180 professional behavior analysts via the BACB and social media.
• Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and ANOVA to compare groups.

Main Results:

• Approximately 80% of respondents searched for research monthly, primarily using academic web search, university libraries, or BACB resources.
• Professionals with doctorates exhibited more frequent searches, higher satisfaction, and greater confidence.
• University library users reported more frequent searches, enhanced search skills, increased confidence, and greater satisfaction, with research findings more likely to inform practice.

Conclusions:

• Professional behavior analysts actively engage with literature, but resource accessibility and search skills may vary.
• Advanced degrees and access to academic resources like university libraries are associated with more robust literature engagement and higher satisfaction.
• Findings highlight potential areas for improving access to and utilization of behavior analytic research to support professional competence.