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Subjective Can Be Scary-But Worth It: Personal Reflections on How Qualitative Methods Can Advance Applied Behavior

Suzy Mejía-Buenaño¹

¹Care and Outcomes Research Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.

Behavior Analysis in Practice

|June 22, 2026

Summary

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) traditionally relies on quantitative data. This personal narrative explores embracing qualitative research methods to gain deeper insights into lived experiences, overcoming challenges for behavior analysts.

Keywords:

Applied behavior analysis Behavior analyst Narrative inquiry Qualitative research

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Area of Science:

Behavioral Science
Psychology
Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is predominantly a quantitative field, focusing on measurable data like response frequency and accuracy.
While objective, quantitative data offers a limited view of individual experiences.
Qualitative approaches offer valuable insights into lived experiences but can be daunting for behavior analysts.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the personal journey of a behavior analyst embracing qualitative research methods.
To highlight the challenges and rewards of integrating qualitative data into ABA.
To demonstrate how qualitative approaches enhance the understanding of lived experiences.

Main Methods:

Personal narrative inquiry.
Exploration of qualitative research principles and their application in behavior analysis.
Reflection on the subjective nature of qualitative data.

Main Results:

Successfully integrated qualitative methods into practice, overcoming initial apprehension.
Discovered the depth and richness qualitative data provides beyond quantitative metrics.
Identified the value of qualitative approaches in understanding the nuances of human experience.

Conclusions:

Qualitative research methods are essential for a comprehensive understanding in applied behavior analysis.
Behavior analysts can successfully navigate and benefit from qualitative inquiry.
Embracing qualitative approaches enriches the field by providing deeper context to quantitative findings.