Applied Behavior Analysis

by John O. Cooper, Timothy E. Heron, William L. Heward

Applied Behavior Analysis provides a complete description of the principles and procedures needed to systematically change socially significant behavior and to understand the reasons for that change. This comprehensive text, appropriate for courses in basic principles, applications, and behavioral research methods, helps students, educators, and practitioners appreciate and begin to acquire the conceptual and technical skills necessary to foster socially adaptive behavior in diverse individuals.

Genres: Psychology, Textbooks, Nonfiction, School, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Education, Professional Development

800 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 1987

Reviews

[Adrienne Harner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is 900 pages & I read it for my masters class…I think I deserve some sort of credit

[Thomas Edmund · Rating 5 out of 5]

In regards to Behaviour Analysis 'The White Book' is probably the best general introduction you can find. Read as part of my future study requirements I found the book to be succinct useful and practical.

My only worry was a few slips into unacademic writing, one chapter resorts to 'the science of common sense' another uses the word guesstimate (although according to chrome this is a real word, not the most scientific I believe [or am I the snob]) overall great.

And that my friends in my 160th book for the year - freaking ridiculous really.

[Madisyn Leligdon]

Gotta add my textbooks from school to get to my reading challenge goal 🥸

This one was extra boring, let me tell ya

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was first assigned this text for a class I was a bit overwhelmed with the thickness and the technicality of the text. However, after reading and discussing it in its entirety, I have a much more solid understanding of ABA and will use this as a reference throughout my career. The text was dry, technical, but gave ample examples throughout. The chapters connected concepts throughout to allow for more concrete understanding. Highly recommend for anyone working with children in fields of psychology, behavior, education, etc..

[Lexie]

It seems strange to use Goodreads to review a textbook, but for a year and a half it's consumed the time in which I would normally cozy up with a sweet novel or suspenseful sci-fi tale on Mars or an Amish-romance-murder-mystery. I've read it cover to cover not once but twice, so I feel like it should take it's rightful place on my "read" list. Our time together was long and intellectual but I'm ready to take some time apart for a while now!

[Marilyn Colon Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a love and hate relationship with this book.

[MFD]

I enjoyed reading this for my ABA class. Some chapters or sections were dry, but I loved the way they defined relevant terms compared to my other text and all of the practical application examples. It was mostly easy to understand, even though some of the guidelines for procedures were hard to internalize. The text made the class enjoyable.
I will say that I'm very annoyed by the anti-cognitive psychology bias present in every ABA source I've encountered, this one included. It explains how cognitive psychology often relies on circular reasoning and acts like everyone is still using psychodynamics. It's important to point out pitfalls and differences, but the way ABA people/authors frame it makes them sound competitive and jealous, lol. That attitude was, thankfully, limited to a couple spots in this book.
I learned a lot from this text and will be keeping it for reference.

[Thomas Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never learned so much in a class before. This textbook is packed with knowledge essential to my field. It was well-written and easy to follow. There were a few concepts that weren’t as well explained as others, but I had plenty of supplemental material to work with. Definitely one of the best learning experiences I’ve had with a textbook.

[Allison Salas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was this text one of the hardest I’ve ever read to digest? Yes. Am I more knowledgeable in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis? Yes. Is this my ABA Bible? Also, yes.

I’ll probably read this book about 2-3x more before I take the big test but I will say that Cooper did a phenomenal job with covering everything there is to know for the field of ABA in one textbook.

[Claire Peach]

Since I was studying for my exam and finished this dang thing… I’m counting this one

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Known as the bible of our field - is not so friendly towards a lay person so you may need to supplement it with ‘behaviour analysis for lasting change’.

[ErinNoelle Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Applied Behavior Analysis (often just called “the Cooper book”) feels a bit like entering a new world of precision, structure, and science. It’s the foundational text in the field of ABA, and for good reason—it’s comprehensive, detailed, and written with the goal of building both understanding and application. At nearly 900 pages, it’s not a quick read, but instead a reference and guide that I find myself returning to again and again.

The book breaks down the principles of behavior in a way that is systematic and clear. Concepts like reinforcement, punishment, extinction, shaping, and stimulus control are not only defined but also illustrated with real-world examples. This makes the text useful for both students and practitioners, whether you’re preparing for the BCBA exam or working directly in applied settings. I appreciate how the authors balance theory with application—every chapter feels grounded in practice, which keeps it from being just an abstract academic resource.

That said, this isn’t a light or casual read. The density of the material requires patience and focus, and sometimes I have to reread sections to fully grasp the depth of explanation. But there’s also a sense of reward in that challenge: when a concept clicks, I feel more equipped to approach behavior analytically and thoughtfully.

What stands out to me most is the respect the authors show for the science of behavior and its potential to change lives. The writing reflects both rigor and care, and that combination makes it a cornerstone in the field of special education, psychology, and behavior analysis.

For anyone serious about ABA, Cooper, Heron, and Heward isn’t just a book—it’s almost a professional companion. It demands time and effort, but the payoff is a richer, sharper understanding of human behavior and the tools to influence it ethically and effectively.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A textbook which breaks down the introductory concepts of Behavior. Don't get me wrong, this book is huge. We read it cover to cover for my Applied Behavioral Analysis class in University. I personally found it easy to read and keep pace with, even though the concepts are relatively difficult to wrap your brain around. Paired with Skinner's "About Behaviorism," this text is eye opening into the perspectives of consequence.

[Nicholas Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don't normally review or add grad school materials to my Goodreads, Applied Behavior Analysis was a hefty and insightful read. If one is interested in how behavior functions and how it impacts the world of education this is a must read. Dense and difficult to process at times, so young readers interested in behaviors may want to find a different source.

[Robert Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well written book is famous as "The White Book" by the hundreds who have benefitted by studying it and applying the principles and practices the authors describe. A must read for those who want to know about or practice applied behavior analysis.

[Gabby Galto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ABA bible... seriously, I may actually buy a new one since I use it to reference so often. Must have for a behavior analyst or anyone else in the field that wants to learn and understand more about behavior analysis.

[Bridgettearlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE aba book. Cooper is essential for analysts. The text is easy to understand and explains processes with clarity. The back has multiple ways of searching the text making it super handy for quick reference.

[Meghan Schooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful for providing a wide range of the basic knowledge to extensive application of behavior analysis. Very thorough.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a text book, this was written quite well. Easy to understand and really all that good stuff.

[Lucas Brands · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ABA Bible. I read it, studied it and will keep coming back to it. You'll love it and you'll hate it.

[Ginny Dembek · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best comprehensive texts about the foundations and principles of applied behavior analysis.

[Daniel Guglielmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in preparation of my BACB 4th Edition Task List board exam.

[Erika Zaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is called the Bible of ABA. Great book.

[Casey Komperda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a large book on ABA this is what you need.

[Claire Oberg]

First textbook of my graduate program! With the size and density I will absolutely have this count towards my reading goal

[Sabrina Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only reviewing this bc I read it for my masters

[Dominique Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The “white bible” for those interested in ABA

[Alexis Jones-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I passed my bcba exam with this book! It is truly the behavior analyst’s bible!

[Judith Mbadiwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My initial contact with this book was not fun at all , it had a lot of technical and unfamiliar terminologies ( still does, but now familiar) but as I continued with the program (aba) and with no other alternative text; it became much easier to comprehend and at the same time, it made aba an interesting field of study. The impact and importance of this book in the study of applied behavior analysis cannot be overemphasized

[Paesan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book (1987 edition) is dry, but extremely informative. There is a reason that this is the standard text. It is well-written, well-edited, and gives clear explanations of the full range of topics requied to have a deep theoretical understanding of ABA.