has two main branches: experimental and applied. The experimental analysis of behavior is a field of study in which animals and humans participate in experiments and researchers observe how they behave and learn in different situations. The results of these studies are then used to inform Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA, which is the service part of the discipline. In other words, this type of behavior analyst works with people to improve their behavior and quality of life. ABA programs are based on empirical research, include the direct observation and measurement of behavior, and utilize antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcement, and other consequences to produce behavior change. ABA is a well-developed discipline among the human service professions. It has a mature body of knowledge, established standards for practice, distinct methods of service, recognized experience and educational requirements for practice, and identified sources of requisite education in universities.
psychology. Most of these terms fail to fully capture the nature and dimensions of contemporary behavior analysis, and bring with them associations that are either inaccurate or misleading. Here is some accurate information. Behavior Analysis
Resources Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2007). Applied behavior analysis (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Green, G. (1996). Early behavioral intervention for autism: What does research tell us? In C. Maurice (Ed.), G. Green, & S. Luce (Co-eds.). Behavioral intervention for young children with autism: A manual for parents and professionals (pp. 29-44). Austin, TX: PRO-ED. Newman, B. (1999). When everybody cares: Case studies of ABA with people with autism. NY: Dove and Orca. Newman, B., Reeve, K. F., Reeve, S. A., & Ryan, C. S. (2003). Behaviorspeak: Glossary of terms in applied behavior analysis (ABA). NY: Dove & Orca. Newman, B., Reinicke, D., & Newman, L. (2000). Words from those who care: Further case studies of ABA with people with autism. NY: Dove and Orca.
Additional Resources These two resources describe the
characteristics of Applied Behavior Analysis. While they do not contain information specific to autism, they are quite relevant and provide an accurate and thorough picture of the concepts that guide the field. Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1968). Some dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 91-97. Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1987). Some still-current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 20, 313-327.
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What is ABA?
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