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Lessons from Implementation Science: Incorporating Qualitative Methods to Bridge the Research-to-Practice Gap in
Natalie M Badgett1, Sondra M Stegenga1, Bethany P Contreras2
1Department of Special Education, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA.
Behavior Analysis in Practice
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) faces a research-to-practice gap. This paper introduces implementation science and qualitative research methods to help behavior analysts bridge this gap and improve intervention uptake.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Implementation Science
Background:
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA) demonstrates effective behavioral assessment and intervention strategies.
- A persistent research-to-practice gap exists, hindering consistent implementation of ABA procedures in applied settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe implementation science and its qualitative research methods.
- To prepare behavior analysts to utilize qualitative research for addressing the ABA research-to-practice gap.
Main Methods:
- The paper reviews the field of implementation science.
- It highlights the role of qualitative research in understanding intervention contexts through lived experiences.
- It discusses how qualitative data can inform intervention design and sustainability.
Main Results:
- Implementation science offers methods to promote intervention uptake into routine practice.
- Qualitative research provides valuable insights into the contextual factors influencing intervention implementation.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for bridging the research-to-practice gap.
Conclusions:
- Qualitative research is essential for understanding and overcoming barriers to intervention implementation in ABA.
- Behavior analysts can leverage implementation science principles and qualitative methods to enhance the widespread adoption of effective practices.
- This approach aims to improve the sustainability and impact of ABA interventions.
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