Behaviorism, Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Practice Guided by Applied Behavior Analysis
Welcome to another ABA exam review. Today, we review a topic that is critical for comprehending the various aspects of behavior analysis, such as behaviorism, experimental analysis of behavior (EAB), applied behavior analysis (ABA), and practical application guided by behavior analysis. It may appear complicated, but we’re here to break it down step by step so you can easily grasp these concepts
Behaviorism
Consider behaviorism to be the foundation upon which behavior analysis is based. It is the overall concept or theory that shapes our view of behavior. John B. Watson’s pioneering work in stimulus-response (SR) psychology was the foundation for methodological behaviorism, an early guiding theory of behavior. This early behaviorism, however, left many gaps. It did not account for behavior that lacked obvious antecedents, and neglected consequences that maintain actions. It also did not consider private events in the analysis of behavior. Then, B.F. Skinner came along and pioneered radical behaviorism which is the foundation for applied behavior science today. Radical behaviorism acknowledged and accepted private events as viable subjects of analysis. Radical behaviorism widened the scope by defining both public and private events as behavior for analysis, paving the path for a more holistic approach.
Experimental Analysis of Behavior
When you hear the term Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB), imagine highly controlled laboratory research with non-human creatures such as pigeons and mice. This field of behavior analysis, linked with B.F. Skinner forever, seeks to create links or functional relationships between behavior and environment. Consider Skinner’s famous Skinner box, where he studied and manipulated animal behavior, specifically rats, using consequences like reinforcement and punishment. EAB is based on rigorous measurements, most typically using single-subject designs, cumulative records, and visual analysis to examine the interaction between behavior and environment.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
We now move to the more practical side of behavior analysis – ABA. ABA extends the principles and methodologies of EAB to real-life events involving human participants. This is the “applied” part of ABA. Behaviors should be socially valid and meaningful in the person’s life. This is the heart of ABA, and what you will be doing as a behavior analyst. ABA focuses on changing human behavior in meaningful ways. It focuses on changing behaviors that are important in people’s daily life, such as improving communication skills or reducing troublesome behaviors. Many interventions used in ABA today are a result of rigorous EAB studies.
Behavior Analysis-Guided Practice: The Power of Application
Finally, let’s look at the practical side of ABA, where behavior analysts, behavior technicians, teachers, therapists, parents, and so many others work directly with clients, learners, and children to apply behavior modification tactics. This exemplifies behavior-guided practice. Practice guided by ABA takes research and results from ABA experiments and studies and puts them to use with real people. The essence is in turning the insights gained from ABA into practical improvements in people’s lives.
Learn more…
7 Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis
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