Behavior analysis is the scientific study of behavior.
Behavior analysis is often used in mental health treatment to help people overcome problem behaviors.
It can also be helpful in organizational tweaks to enhance employee performance.
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You will also discover the purpose of certain behaviors and the techniques used to modify those behaviors.
What Is Behavior Analysis?
Thisbranch of psychologyfocuses on understanding associative learning and howreinforcementandpunishmentcan be used to shape human behavior.
Division 25of theAmerican Psychological Associationis devoted to the area of behavior analysis.
According to theBehavior Analyst Certification Board, behavior is the result of circumstances.
This has become a tool for designing behavior modification strategies for decreasing problematic behaviors and teaching more adaptive responses.
Types of Behavior Analysis
There are two major areas of behavior analysis: experimental and applied.
The experimental side focuses on adding to the body of scientific knowledge about how people learn.
The applied area focuses on using that knowledge to help people overcome problems they may be facing.
The goal of this area is to add to our fundamental understanding of human behavior.
Psychologists conduct primary research to explore how environmental influences affect behavior.
In particular, mental health professionals observe how naturally occurring consequences impact the responses that people display.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) focuses on applying behavior principles to real-world situations.
Those who work in applied behavior analysis are interested in behaviors and their relationship with the environment.
Recap
Behavior analysis is both a scientific and applied discipline.
system of Applied Behavioral Analysis
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has many practical applications.
One study found that this method improved behaviors, language, social abilities, and play skills.
All behaviors serve a purpose; however, they may be maladaptive for a person.
There may also be factors in the environment that are reinforcing problematic behaviors.
Additionally, behaviors can be triggered by environmental cues and become automatic if they are reinforced with desirable outcomes.
Reward systems and token economies are popular methods to achieve behavior change across tweaks.
PsychologistIvar Lovaasdeveloped one form of ABA therapy known as theLovaas methodto teach skills to people with autism.
What Is Discrete Trial Training?
Discrete trial training involves breaking down behaviors into smaller components.
Each component of the behavior is then systematically taught using reinforcement.
The approach also incorporates parental involvement to practice discrete trials in a home environment.
Everyone has behaviors they would like to eliminate (e.g.
smoking) and skills they would like to acquire (e.g.
giving public speeches).
It’s not always easy to stay motivated and disciplined when working on changing your own behaviors.
Let’s say you are determined to eat more fruits and veggies.
Consider rewarding yourself each week that you successfully eat a set amount of fruits and veggies per day.
Give yourself a checkmark each day you successfully meet your goal.
How many checkmarks do you better earn your reward?
It’s up to you!
Maybe you will require at least 5 checkmarks during the week to earn your reward.
Then move on to your next goal.
We advise that you do not make too many changes at one time.
It is easy to get overwhelmed, and then just want to throw in the towel.
Slow and steady wins this race.
Summary
Behavioral analysis is an approach that has both theoretical and practical applications.
The field has many applications, including mental health, classroom management, organizational performance, and healthcare.
While rooted in the work of behaviorist thinkers, behavior analysis continues to have a significant influence today.
Fisher WW, Piazza CC, Roane HS.Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board.About behavior analysis.
Division 25 Behavior Analysis.About behavior analysis.
Pilgrim C.Some thoughts on shaping future behavior analysts: A call to stay true to our roots.Behav Anal Pract.
2012;130(Supplement_2):S169-S178.
