Neil Martin

Dr Martin has been working as a behaviour analyst since 1990. He received his PhD from the University of Reading (UK) in 1998, became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2002, an accredited higher education teacher in 2003, a doctoral level BCBA in 2009, and an Institute for Credentialing Excellence Certified Credentialing Professional in 2022. He was one of the first BCBAs in the UK and he helped develop the first BACB-approved course sequence in the UK, and the first outside the US. Dr Martin has published research in journals such as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, The Behavior Analyst, Research in Developmental Disabilities and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, and he has special interests in the use of technology, media and software related to teaching and research.

In April 2015 Dr Martin became the BACB’s Director of International Development. He provides help and support to countries in terms of developing the necessary infrastructure for the emergence of Behaviour Analysis as a recognized profession.

Presentation at the ABA International Conference 2025

Do Words Matter? A Critique of Some of Our Technical Terms.

Abstract: 

This presentation aims to critically examine some of our cherished technical terms. The challenge for behaviour analysts who must liaise with other professionals and stakeholders is both to remain accurate and true to the science whilst communicating in a way that is easily understood. Some of the jargon used by behaviour analysts is difficult to explain in everyday language. Some of our terms exist based on historical precedent. Some of our terms may be used incorrectly in a technical sense. Does this matter? Maybe, but perhaps an ongoing systematic review and clarification of our technical language is important as the field emerges and evolves around the world and because we predominantly live in verbal communities that do not share our radical behaviourist perspective.