Behavior Analysis
The science of behavior analysis and it application consists of four domains. The three branches of behavior analysis which include behaviorism, experimental analysis of behavior (EAB), and ABA as well as the professional practices in various fields other than behavior analysis that are directed by this science. Each of the four domains is interrelated and each domain should be informed on the practices, procedures, and theories of the other domains. It is important to note that applied behavior analysis is a science of behavior analysis that conducts experimental studies to develop functional relations between socially significant behavior and the behavior's controlling variables. What we colloquially have termed as applied behavior analysis or ABA, is the implementation or practice of the procedures that were developed experimentally in the "real-world". It is vital to remember that applied behavior analysis is a science that looks to discover the various methods in which behavior change modification procedures can be implemented/practiced in real-world environments.
**This figure was taken from Dr. Shahla Rosales, as adapted from Cooper, Heron, and Heward (2007, p. 21, figure 1.2)**
**This figure was taken from Dr. Shahla Rosales, as adapted from Cooper, Heron, and Heward (2007, p. 21, figure 1.2)**
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
There are seven defining characteristics of applied behavior analysis that were proposed by Baer, Wolf, and Risely in their 1968 article. They suggested that for a science to be considered truly applied behavior analysis is should be applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptually systematic, effective, and capable of appropriately generalized outcomes.
http://seab.envmed.rochester.edu/jaba/articles/1968/jaba-01-01-0091.pdf
Applied Behavior Analysis, also known as ABA, uses the principles of Behavior Analysis to develop evidence-based behavioral intervention programs. Applied Behavior Analysis is usually associated with teaching children with developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, ABA can be used as a method to develop behavioral intervention program for any individual or community. Some of the skills that ABA can help teach are motor, social, verbal, and academic skills. Applied Behavior Analysis is based on methods that characterize it as a natural science. ABA, as well as Behavior Analysis is considered to be a natural science because it is characterized by direct observation of the behavior(s) to be modified as well as the environment(s) the individual comes into contact with, the behavior(s) are measurable, the behavior(s) being modified are of significance not only to the individual but also to the communities they will encounter. The goal of applied behavior analysis is to provide the most effective and least invasive treatment options possible for the individual or community that is being helped. Applied Behavior Analysis is an approach that can be implemented by a parent, following intensive training, counselor, or certified behavior analyst.
- Applied: The science of applied behavior analysis is committed to improving the behaviors of individuals that will improve and enhance their lives. The professional implementing this change should choose to change behaviors that are socially significant to the target individual. For example, social, language, academic, daily living, self-care, etc. could all be modified in a way that positively changes the target individual's life.
- Behavioral: The behavior chosen for observation must be the behavior that needs to be modified. . Next, behavior analysts should perform studies of behavior and not studies about behavior. The behavior chosen to be modified has to be observable, and measurable. It is vital that the measurements be as precise and reliable as possible. Lastly, when a behavior change has been observed it is important to determine if the target individual's behavior has changed or if the behavior of individuals in their environment has changed.
- Analytic: In applied behavior analysis a study is said to be analytic when the researcher is able to control the occurrence and nonoccurrence of the target behavior.
- Technological: When all of the operative procedures of a study in applied behavior analysis are identified and described in detail and clearly then the study is said to be technological.
- Conceptually Systematic: The procedures for modifying behaviors and interpretations of how and why those modifications procedures were effective should be detailed in terms of the relevant principle(s) from which they were derived from.
- Effective: Effective implementation of behavioral modification techniques must improve the target behavior an appropriate amount.
- Generality: A behavioral modification has generality if it endures over time, occurs in environments other than the environment in which modification was implemented, and spreads to behaviors that were not directly targeted for intervention.
http://seab.envmed.rochester.edu/jaba/articles/1968/jaba-01-01-0091.pdf
Applied Behavior Analysis, also known as ABA, uses the principles of Behavior Analysis to develop evidence-based behavioral intervention programs. Applied Behavior Analysis is usually associated with teaching children with developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, ABA can be used as a method to develop behavioral intervention program for any individual or community. Some of the skills that ABA can help teach are motor, social, verbal, and academic skills. Applied Behavior Analysis is based on methods that characterize it as a natural science. ABA, as well as Behavior Analysis is considered to be a natural science because it is characterized by direct observation of the behavior(s) to be modified as well as the environment(s) the individual comes into contact with, the behavior(s) are measurable, the behavior(s) being modified are of significance not only to the individual but also to the communities they will encounter. The goal of applied behavior analysis is to provide the most effective and least invasive treatment options possible for the individual or community that is being helped. Applied Behavior Analysis is an approach that can be implemented by a parent, following intensive training, counselor, or certified behavior analyst.