Assessment Tools in Verbal Behavior Research: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Assessment tools are an essential component of applied behavior analysis (ABA), offering important information to assist in the design of intervention strategies for individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous research has studied the validity, consistency, and effectiveness of some of these tools, with studies such as Dixon et al. (2017), Padilla and Akers (2021), Stewart et al. (2010), and Usry et al. (2017) providing insights into their attributes, shortcomings, and relevance. However, publications focusing on the use of these tools within behavior analytical research are lacking. This systematic literature review (SLR) aimed to identify and analyze behavior assessment tools in ABA research, including their roles as dependent variables. Articles published in key journals from 2019 to the present that focused on human participants and empirical studies related to skill acquisition were selected based on systematic selection criteria. Data was collected, coded, and evaluated to provide a comprehensive overview of the methodological foundations and practical implications of these assessment tools in ABA research of verbal behavior.