James M. Johnston
Auburn University
Dr. Johnston's research epitomizes the research-to-practice dimension of the experimental analysis of behavior. Over a period of 30 years, he has been principal or co-principal investigator in three influential programs of systematic research: first in the area of college teaching, then in the analysis of rumination in persons with developmental disabilities, and most recently in the study of canine olfaction and its application to detection of drugs and of explosives. In each of these research programs, Dr. Johnston systematically and with characteristic thoroughness investigated the variables contributing to the behavior of interest and published his findings in a broad range of high quality journals. In addition to his experimental work, Dr. Johnston's scholarship includes significant contributions to theoretical and methodological topics in journal articles, book chapters, and his widely used and influential textbook on methodology in behavior analysis. Dr. Johnston's illustrious research career is complemented by his scholarly service to the discipline on numerous editorial boards, as a leader in establishing professional credentials for behavior analysts, and as an officer in scientific and professional organizations including his service as president of ABAI.