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Behavioral Economics

A Tutorial for Behavior Analysts in Practice

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Abstract

In recent years, behavioral economics has gained much attention in psychology and public policy. Despite increased interest and continued basic experimental studies, the application of behavioral economics to therapeutic settings remains relatively sparse. Using examples from both basic and applied studies, we provide an overview of the principles comprising behavioral economic perspectives and discuss implications for behavior analysts in practice. A call for further translational research is provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, 4048 Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS, 66045-7555, USA

    Derek D. Reed & Brent A. Kaplan

  2. Department of Psychology and Research in Education, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA

    Christopher R. Niileksela

Authors
  1. Derek D. Reed
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  2. Christopher R. Niileksela
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  3. Brent A. Kaplan
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Correspondence to Derek D. Reed.

Additional information

The authors thank the various clinicians and behavior analysts with whom they have worked with over the years that prompted the writing of this tutorial, as well as Scott Wiggins and Dave Jarmolowicz for their assistance to the authors during the course of manuscript preparation. Finally, they acknowledge the role of their Applied Behavioral Science (ABSC) 509 students for persistently asking for examples of how basic behavioral science translates to practice. The examples derived from these conversations and discussions have been integrated throughout the tutorial.

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Reed, D.D., Niileksela, C.R. & Kaplan, B.A. Behavioral Economics. Behav Analysis Practice 6, 34–54 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391790

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