Principles of Behavior

Richard W. Malott taught and did research in experimental analysis, higher education, autism, and organizational behavior management. He was a co-founder of the Behavior Analysis program at Western Michigan University (WMU) and a co-founder of Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). He is currently chairman of the board of KABAS (Kalamazoo Academy for Behavioral and Accademic Success), a small K–6 school for children with special needs. He has received two Fulbright Senior Scholar Awards, WMU’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and ABAI’s Award for Public Service in Behavior Analysis.

"Principles of Behavior is an essential introductory behavior analysis text—equally insightful, practical, quirky, and engaging. For decades, this book has introduced undergraduate and graduate students to the science of behavior, inspiring countless future behavior analysts around the world, including myself. As a professor, I’ve loved using Principles of Behavior with my students because it has a way of grabbing their attention and making complex concepts feel more approachable. The latest edition stays true to its roots, offering clear explanations, practical examples, and Dr. Malott’s signature writing style that makes learning behavior analysis anything but boring."Dr. Cody Morris, Salve Regina University, US "A must-read for anyone new to applied behavior analysis or working with children with autism. This book offers practical, real-world examples that make complex concepts easy to understand, making it ideal for both undergraduate and graduate courses. With chapter references to the BACB task list and helpful quizzes, it’s perfect for those pursuing board certification and looking to advance their practice."Dr. Kohei Togashi, Temple University, Japan"For anyone diving into behavior analysis, Principles of Behavior serves a dual purpose. As an introductory text it hooks readers with a colloquial tone, prompting them to apply behavior analytic principles to familiar situations. Alternatively, experienced practitioners may continue to gain insight from this text by referencing its concepts when developing best-practice interventions. Dr. Richard Malott has a knack for making complex ideas easy to grasp without losing scientific depth. This book is not just informative—it’s engaging, practical, and packed with real-world examples that show how behavior analysis applies to everyday life. Whether you're a student, instructor, or practitioner, this book breaks things down in a way that sticks. It’s a classic for a reason—clear, insightful, and incredibly useful."Jonathan Timm, North Arrow ABA, US "I would recommend this book to anyone involved in behavioral support. This book will change your perspective on behavior. It will show you practical, constructive, effective, and useful insights for yourself and the people you support. The author guides you through the world of behavior analysis, carefully explaining what the principles of behavior are, how they control our behavior, and how you can use them, in a light and easy-going narrative. I too was captivated by this book and became one of the author's many students. Reading through this book on the science of behavior may even change your life, as it once did for me."Hironobu Matsuoka, Nogatanakamura Hospital, Japan "PoB 9e continues the strong tradition of making behavior analysis very consumable to readers at all stages of their academic career. This text would be great for both an introductory undergraduate course, as well as an advanced graduate course in behavior analysis. The examples are quite helpful, and the writing style truly captivates the reader given its stark difference from more traditionally written textbooks."Dr. Michael Kranak, Oakland University and Oakland University Center for Autism, US "The 7th and 8th editions of Dick Malott's Principles of Behavior series were engaging and lucid, and very popular with my students. As an instructor, I have found that these books do a great job of setting the table for more in-depth discussions with my students and leave them well-prepared for the more advanced courses in our curriculum. I look forward to the 9th edition."Professor Anthony DeFulio, West Michigan University, US "We have used Dr. Malott’s Principles of Behavior as the primary text for our Introduction to Behavior Analysis classes since we’ve been teaching them. His honest, accessible writing and real-life, research-based examples make the difficult concepts easier for our students to learn. Our students also report liking the readings, which is a rare accolade for a textbook. Most of all, every chapter conveys a hopeful, empowering message of how the science of behavior analysis can be used to make the world a better place—inspiring both the students who read it and the professors who teach them. "Dr. Amy Scrima and Dr. Mya Hernandez, Lake Michigan College, US "Principles of Behavior is an essential guide for learners at all levels, breaking down behavior analysis into practical, engaging lessons that inspire effective teaching and behavior change."Dr. Mychal Machado, University of Alaska Anchorage, US "Anyone interested in learning about the principles of behavior is going to benefit from this text. The beauty of the book is in the humorous stories, real-world examples, and technical content in an easy-to-understand format. POB is a must have for any behavior analyst’s library and an excellent text for undergraduate and graduate level behavior analytic courses."Dr. Jessica Korneder, Oakland University, US "Both the unparalleled continuity and historicity signify Principles of Behavior as a classic reference, which is now perfectly scheduled for the 50th anniversary of ‘The Steep and Thorny Way to a Science of Behavior.’ Fifty years ago, we were arguably ‘not yet ready to accept the fact that the task is to change, not people, but rather the world in which they live.’ Not only has the book helped to accept our task as behavior analysts by providing illustrative and instructive examples, it has also skillfully arranged instructional contingencies to shape an intellectual and practical repertoire required for successfully dealing with the task—and the world at large."Prof. Dr. Morena Lauth-Lebens and Prof. Dr. Gerhard Lauth, Germany

• Preface to the Instructor Informal Preface PART I: Respondent Conditioning 1. Respondent Conditioning PART II: Operant Conditioning 2. Operant Conditioning (Part I) 3. Operant Conditioning (Part II) PART III: Methodology and Philosophy 4. Research Methods 5. The Philosophy Supporting Behavior Analysis PART IV: REINFORCEMENT 6. Positive Reinforcement 7. Negative Reinforcement PART V: Punishment 8. Positive Punishment 9. Negative Punishment PART VI: Extinction and Related Processes 10. Extinction After Reinforcement and Recovery After Punishment 11. Differential Reinforcement and Differential Punishment PART VII: Motivation 12. Unconditioned and Conditioned Reinforcers and Punishers 13. Motivating Operations PART VII: Stimulus Control 14. Basic Stimulus Control 15. Complex Stimulus Control PART IX: Complex Processes I 16. Imitation 17. Avoidance PART X: Complex Processes II 18. Shaping 19. Behavioral Chains PART XI: Schedules of Reinforcement 20. Ratio Schedules 21. Time-Based Schedules PART XII: Complex Processes III 22. Concurrent Contingences 23. Maintenance and Transfer PART XIII: Verbal Behavior 24. Verbal Behavior PART XIV: Rule-Governed Behavior 25. Rule-Governed Behavior: Concepts and Applications 26. Rule-Governed Behavior: Theory Thanks Appendix: BCBA/BCaBA Task List (6th ed.)