Journal updates

Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, do not currently satisfy our authorship criteria. Notably an attribution of authorship carries with it accountability for the work, which cannot be effectively applied to LLMs. Use of an LLM should be properly documented in the Methods section (and if a Methods section is not available, in a suitable alternative part) of the manuscript. The best guidance for use of a LLM or AI is to document any contributions to your work in an upfront manner. 

A special issue of a journal is a collection of papers that are organized around a topic or theme of research within the scope of mission in the journal. Special issues require substantial support from Guest Editors, including identifying a topical area of interest, recruiting manuscripts, supporting the peer-review process, editing manuscripts, organizing the collection of papers into meaningful structures, and writing an introductory editorial piece to introduce and frame the special issue. 

In an effort to increase inclusivity and diversity in the review process, the Editor and Associate Editors of Behavior Analysis in Practice invite individuals who wish to serve in the role of Guest Associate Editor and Guest Reviewer to please self-nominate here:  https://forms.gle/hZsXX5QMGDRgf5iK9  Individuals should be prepared to list their name, credentials, affiliation, and areas of expertise.  Individuals will also be asked to upload their vitae to document their areas of expertise.  The Editor and Associate Editors will draw from this list when selecting guest participation in the review process.  We encourage you to self-nominate if you would like to gain experience in the review process.

Guest Editors: Amanda Laprime & Kelly Vinquist

Historically, behavior analysts have been represented in well-known specialized inpatient and outpatient services with a primary focus on individuals with developmental disabilities. In recent years, acute care hospitals have experienced a surge in patients with neurodevelopmental, medical and mental health needs who experience behavioral challenges during medical care. This makes the emergency, or acute inpatient care more complex. The healthcare system is well posited for behavior analysts who can address these challenges yet getting a “foot in the door” or establishing sustainable, evidenced-based programs presents a unique challenge. The goal of the special issue is to highlights novel and innovative approaches behavior analysts have utilized to establish a variety of programs in healthcare systems.

Anticipated timeline for papers:

• Call for papers- September 2024
• Call to close- March 2025
• First responses back- May 2025
• Edits made- August 2025
• Manuscript published: February 2026

Behavior Analysis in Practice announces its call for papers for a methodologically focused special issue entitled “Beyond Social Validity: Embracing Qualitative Research in Behavior Analysis.” The aim of this special issue is to explore what embracing qualitative research might mean, do, disrupt, and make possible in behavior analysis. We invite behavior-analytic scholars and practitioners to submit pedagogical, conceptual, and personally reflective contributions about teaching, learning, conducting, and conceptualizing qualitative research in behavior analysis. Click the title for more information on the special issue, submission requirements, and deadlines.

Guest Editors for the special issue are Jennifer R. Wolgemuth and Claire St. Peter.

There are two submission deadlines. For initial consideration, please submit a tentative title and 1000-word abstract by July 1, 2024. Authors whose abstracts are accepted will be invited to submit a full manuscript by March, 15, 2025, which will undergo BAP's standard review process. Final manuscripts should be 6000 words or less in length, including references.

More about the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).