Dr. Cody Morris

Areas of Expertise

• Behavior analysis, autonomy, challenging behavior, organizational practices, developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder

Education

• B.S. in psychology, Western Michigan University (2013)
• M.A. in behavior analysis, Western Michigan University (2016)
• Ph.D. in behavior analysis, Western Michigan University (2019)

View My CV

What's My Why?

The overarching goal of my research and clinical focus is improving the practice of behavior analysis, which I believe is important because behavior analysis has the potential to greatly impact the quality of life of vulnerable populations. My particular research involves several topics, including client involvement in therapeutic decisions, assessment and treatment strategies for challenging behavior, and organizational practices. 

Professional Experience

I am an associate professor, graduate program director of behavior analysis and chair of the Office of Research Integrity at Salve. I also serve as an editorial board member for the journals Behavior Analysis in Practice and the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, director of the executive board for the Rhode Island Association for Behavior Analysis and host of the "All Things Behavior" podcast.

Media Coverage

Podcasts: "All Things Behavior" (host, 2025-present), "Behavior Analysis in Practice: The Podcast" (host and executive producer, 2021-2025), "Functional Relations Podcast" (guest, 2025), "Our Next Guest" (guest, 2025), "Fountains" (guest, 2025), "Cooperant Learning Podcast" (guest, 2024), "How to ABA" (guest, 2024), "Autism Outreach" (guest, 2023), "Out of the Blank Podcast" (guest, 2022), "Operant Innovations Podcast" (guest, 2021), "ABA Inside Track Podcast" (guest, 2021)

Selected Publications

Morris, C., Detrick, J. J., & Peterson, S. M. (2021). Participant assent in behavior analytic research: considerations for participants with autism and developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Morris, C., McCormack, J. V., & Perrin, J. (2023). Multiple isolated functions of problem behavior: A case study. Behavior Analysis in Practice.

Morris, C., Oliveira, J. P., Perrin, J., Federico, C., & Martasian, P. J. (2024). Toward a further understanding of assent. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Wilson, J., Federico, C. A., Perrin, J., & Morris, C. (2024). Measuring indices of happiness and its relation to problem behavior. Education and Treatment of Children.

Morris, C. (2025). Private equity in behavior analysis: a reckoning. Perspectives on Behavior Science.