Gordon Bourland, Ph.D.
Owner and Behavior Analyst, Trinity Behavioral Associates
Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington
Postdoctoral Fellow in Behavioral Psychology, John F. Kennedy Institute (now Kennedy Krieger Institute), The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Recent Publications
Lundervold, D., Lewin, L. M., & Bourland, G. (1990). Older adults' acceptability of treatments for behavior problems. Clinical Gerontologist, 10, 17–29.
Lundervold, D., & Bourland, G. (1988). A quantitative analysis of interventions of the treatment of severe behavior problems of handicapped persons. Behavior Modification, 12, 590–617.
Other Professional Positions and Activities
ABAI Service:
- ABAI Affiliated Chapters Board, Coordinator (2010–2016)
- ABAI Special Interest Group Task Force, Member (2016)
Editorial Service:
- Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice (2017)
- Journal of Organizational Behavior Management (2012–present)
- Behavior Therapy (2009–2010)
- Education and Treatment of Children, Editorial Review Board (1983–1999); Assoc. Ed. (1989–1992)
- American Psychologist (1991)
- Behavior Assessment, Guest Reviewer (1981–1988)
Professional Service:
- Texas Association for Behavior Analysis (TxABA) Public Policy Group, President (2015–present)
- Families for Effective Autism Treatment—North Texas, Advisory Board, Member (2011–present)
- TxABA Executive Council, Member (1992–1994, 1995–1997); President (1995–1996, 2009–2011); President-Elect (2008–2009); Past President (2011–2013); Continuing Education Coordinator (2010–2015)
- Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Departmental Behavior Therapy Committee, Member (1989–1993)
- West Virginia Chapter, American Association on Mental Deficiency, Executive Committee and Treasurer (1979–1988)
- West Virginia Department of Health Medley Management Team (1981–August 1987)
Awards:
- TxABA Career Contributions to Behavior Analysis in Texas Award (2013)
- Families for Effective Autism Treatment—North Texas, Certificate of Appreciation (2012)
- TxABA Award for Contributions to the Executive Council (2004)
Other Employment:
- Dallas Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center, Dallas, Texas, Chief Psychologist, Mental Retardation Services (1993–1998)
- NeuroCare of Texas, Irving, Texas, Behavior Management Specialist/Behavior Analyst (part-time) (1992–1994)
- Fort Worth State School, Fort Worth, Texas, Director of Residential Services (1988–1989); Director of Behavioral Services, Chief Psychologist (1989–1993)
- Colin Anderson Center, St. Mary’s, West Virginia, Director, Psychology Director (1978–1989); Program Director (1980–1988)
Statement of Goals
In working in applied behavior analysis first for more than 20 years predominantly employed by public agencies, and then for approximately the last 20 years in the private sector (e.g., providing services directly to families, contracting with private companies and public agencies), I have seen clearly the great value of behavior analysis in addressing socially important behaviors. This efficacy of behavior analysis in producing socially important changes in people's behavior rests not just upon the foundation of evidence-based procedures of applied behavior analysis work but also upon the foundations of basic behavior analytic research and the conceptual framework of behavior analysis. The ongoing explicit and creative integration of behavior analytic conceptual foundations and basic research into applied behavior analytic services is crucial to the applied work actually involving applications of behavior analysis with its principles and procedures rather than becoming an amalgamation of behavioral techniques. As a person whose career has been mostly outside of academia, I have concluded that while expanded presence of behavior analysis in academic departments is needed, equally important to society is the expansion of rigorous applied work in nonacademic settings. While serving as the ABAI Affiliated Chapters Board Coordinator for six years, I saw quite clearly the positive impact that ABAI Executive Council activities can have on persons and organizations involved in applied work. If elected to Council, my priorities will include promoting all components of behavior analysis—the conceptual and basic research components as well as the applied component; promoting training and career development opportunities in behavior analysis for persons interested in academic careers as well as for those drawn to nonacademic service; promoting applied behavior analysis by supporting the important work being done with persons with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual and developmental disabilities and along with promoting behavioral applications in areas less known to the public such as gerontology, education, organizational behavior management, family support, behavioral health and wellness programs, and social responsibility; and by supporting in general the development of the profession of behavior analysis.