Blog
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
| Posted on January 12, 2019 at 8:50 AM |
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science. It applies the principles of behavior to improve socially significant behavior. Determining the functions of behavior (or the reason[s] why the behavior occurs) allows behavior change agents to identify intervention packages to improve those behaviors that will enhance the person, team, and/or business behavior(s).
What is behavior? Human behavior includes everything that people do. Behavior can be something you want to see happen more or less.
What are socially significant behaviors? Behaviors that are appropriate, acceptable, and important. When significant changes are made in these and collateral behaviors, it is to a meaningful degree. It has importance to the person, caregivers, and/or stakeholders involved.
Different applications of ABA: Many people have heard of ABA in the context of therapy for children with Autism. However, ABA encompasses much more than treatment for children with Autism. ABA has a research base in the fields of Health and Fitness, Gerontology, Addictions Therapy, Trauma Based Care, and Big Business (to name a few).
To read more about ABA applications in business, check out our blog on Organizational Behavior Management.
References
Baer, D., Wolf, M., & Risley, T. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 91-97.
Cooper, J., Heron, T., & Heward, W. (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Prentice Hall
Daniels, A. & Bailey, J. (2014). Performance Management. Atlanta, GA: Aubrey Daniels International, Inc.
Fisher, W., Piazza, C. & Roane, H. (2011). Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis. New York: Guilford Press
Â
Categories: None