Kincaid Lab: What We Do
We are interested in bridging the gap between laboratory research and the many real-world settings in which behavior analysis can change lives. Our projects range from basic Skinnerian operant research to clinical applications. Currently, our research centers around three main themes:
Relapse Phenomena: Why do behaviors that were once eliminated come back?
Everyone knows that just because you stopped doing something at one point, doesn't mean you'll never go back to that behavior again. From failed diets to drug relapse, or even relapse of problem behavior following effective treatment with ABA, the return of behavior is everywhere. Though "relapse" has a negative connotation, behavior coming back can also be a force for good! Behavior recurrence is involved in creativity and problem solving, and allows us to adapt to new situations. These examples illustrate the importance of understanding why, and how, once "extinguished" behavior returns.
Organizational Behavior Management: How can we use the power of reinforcement to bring out the best in people at work?
Have you ever had a boss that never used the "carrot," but always the "stick?" Or maybe you're a supervisor that reminds your employees over and over again about their responsibilities, but they never listen- they just complain that you're just "nagging" them? Understanding the application of behavior principles to workplace situations can help manage a diverse range of organizational problems. Also importantly, being able to use behavior analytic skills in a management/supervisory context is
essential to be an effective BCBA.
Behavior-Analytic College Teaching: Innovation in higher education using behavior analysis.
This line of research is focused on applying cutting-edge ABA research to the college classroom. From effects of technology on classroom behavior, to active-learning strategies, to optimizing online education using Personalized Systems of Instruction (PSI), we are committed to investigating and applying empirically-supported, innovative approaches to instruction of undergraduate and graduate learners.
Getting Involved
Current Projects
- Concurrent resurgence of negatively-reinforced caregiving behavior.
- Resurgence of maladaptive parenting behavior in a simulated caregiving context.
- Identifying workplace reinforcers in Applied Behavior Analysis Clinics.
- Effects of visual prompts on cleaning and safety behavior in organizational settings.
Recent Publications
Kincaid, S.L., & Lattal, K. A. (2018). Beyond the break point: recurrence of ratio-strained behavior with Reinstatement, Resurgence, and Renewal. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.
Nighbor, T.D., Kincaid, S.L., O'Hearn, C.M., & Lattal, K.A. (2018). Stimulus contributions to operant resurgence. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.
Lattal, K.A., Cancado, C. R., Cook, J.E., Kincaid, S.L., Nighbor, T.D., Oliver, A.C. (2017) On defining resurgence. Behavioral Processes, 141, 85-91.
Kincaid, S. L., Lattal, K. A., & Spence, J. (2015). Super-resurgence: ABA renewal increases resurgence. Behavioral Processes, 115, 70-73.
