ABSTRACT
Behavioral scientists have numerous scientific research designs from which to choose in their quest for answers to research hypotheses and questions. There is general agreement among researchers that different research questions or objectives require different research approaches, no one research method or design is appropriate for answering all research questions. In behavioral sciences, "trustworthiness" or credibility of research findings is based on the rigor of the scientific method employed and the extent to which the research design controls for alternative explanations. The group research approach is the most common research methodology used in the behavioral sciences. In education and clinical practice, educators, psychologists, speech/language pathologists, occupational, recreation, and physical therapists are expected to evaluate the adequacy of their efforts by measuring changes in each student's or client's behavior over the duration of their programs. Applied behavior analysts have historically held themselves accountable for designing and employing curricula, interventions, systems for change, and educational/therapeutic approaches that bring about positive behavior change.
