Bio

Anna M. Linnehan, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science at the Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis and a faculty member at Endicott College. She holds both her master’s and doctoral degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College in Beverly, MA.

Dr. Linnehan began her career as a professional chemist before transitioning to behavioral science, driven by her passion for using scientific principles to improve lives. Her research integrates the Goldiamond-Layng Theory, a behavioral contingency analytic approach to emotions, with instructional design to teach emotional concepts and help individuals identify and problem-solve their own emotional behavior. Her TEDx talk, Why Reassurance Doesn’t Always Make Us Feel Better, highlights this work.

In addition to her research, Dr. Linnehan is dedicated to the dissemination of nonlinear contingency analysis and assent-based procedures, applying Israel Goldiamond’s constructional approach to behavior. She also explores signal detection theory to analyze decision-making processes and behavior. Dr. Linnehan is also interested in investigating the role of AI in training behavior analysts as well as prompt engineering combined with instructional design. 

Dr. Linnehan recently co-authored the book Decisions and Judgments in Ambiguous Situations: A Conceptual Introduction to Signal Detection Theory with Dr. T. V. Joe Layng. She also served as an editor and contributing author for Perspectives on Neurodiversity and Belonging: Reflections for Behavior Analysts.

Her contributions extend to peer-reviewed journals, where she has served on multiple editorial boards, and she is an Advisor for the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. As an educator, Dr. Linnehan enjoys teaching behavioral science at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, inspiring the next generation of behavior analysts.