Some Still‐current Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis

Abstract

Twenty years ago, an anthropological note described the current dimensions of applied behavior analysis as it was prescribed and practiced in 1968: It was, or ought to become, applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptual, effective, and capable of appropriately generalized outcomes. A similar anthropological note today finds the same dimensions still prescriptive, and to an increasing extent, descriptive. Several new tactics have become evident, however, some in the realm of conceptual analysis, some in the sociological status of the discipline, and some in its understanding of the necessary systemic nature of any applied discipline that is to operate in the domain of important human behaviors.

Using Behavior Analysis to Examine the Outcomes of Unproven Therapies: An Evaluation of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Children with Autism

“…A reversal design was not a viable option because removal of HBOT after receipt of the prescribed "dosage" was not expected to reverse the potential behavioral improvements produced by HBOT. The multiple-baseline design, in which an intervention is sequentially introduced across different participants, behaviors, or settings, is a commonly used design when a reversal is not possible or desirable (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968). A concurrent multiple-baseline across participants design seemed like the best option, given the hypothesized neurological effects of HBOT.…”

A Preliminary Analysis of the Effects of Coaching Feedback on Teacher Implementation Fidelity of First Step to Success

“…EIBI has its roots in applied behavior analysis (ABA). The scope and nature of ABA have been influentially defined (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968), and its practice and procedures have been comprehensively described (e.g., Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007). Several useful treatment manuals, aimed at both parents and professionals, have described curricular design, data collection strategies, instructional techniques, behavior-management procedures, and other issues relevant to the successful implementation of individualized behavioral interventions for children with autism (e.g., Leaf & McEachin, 1999;Lovaas, 2003;Maurice, Green, & Foxx, 2001;Maurice, Green, & Luce, 1996;.…”

Thirty Points About Motivation From Skinner’s Book Verbal Behavior

“…(p. 199) An important and valuable aspect of behavior analysis is the identification of the relevant independent variables related to a particular behavior or class of behaviors. The success of applied behavior analysis is based on a behavior analyst's ability to correctly identify the causes of behavior and manipulate variables that produce improvement in any number of important human conditions (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968 Skinner's analysis of the role of private events constitutes the core of his philosophy of science known as ''radical behaviorism'' (Skinner, 1945(Skinner, , 1974). Skinner's main point is that events occur within our body that are accessible only to the behaver, but these events affect our behavior, and must be accounted for if a functional analysis is to be complete.…”

“…For example, while a couple is shopping one person stops at a shoe store window and says, ''I am going to go in and find out how much those shoes cost.'' There could be at least three possible MOs involving different consequences controlling this response: (1) Point #28: MOs can be manipulated as independent variables in any intervention program A hallmark of applied behavior analysis is the manipulation of various independent variables to produce socially significant behavior change on the part of the client or participant (Baer et al, 1968). It is well established that changes in reinforcement, extinction, and punishment can be effective in increasing desired behaviors and decreasing undesirable behaviors.…”