Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior (Baer, Wolf & Risley, 1968; Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991).

Socially significant behaviors include reading, academics, social skills, communication, and adaptive living skills. Adaptive living skills include gross and fine motor skills, eating and food preparation, toileting, dressing, personal self-care, domestic skills, time and punctuality, money and value, home and community orientation, and work skills.

ABA is an objective discipline. ABA focuses on the reliable measurement and objective evaluation of observable behavior.

Reliable measurement requires that behaviors are defined objectively. Vague terms such as anger, depression, aggression, or tantrums are redefined in observable and quantifiable terms, so their frequency, duration, or other measurable properties can be directly recorded (Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991).

ABA interventions require a demonstration of the events that are responsible for the occurrence, or non-occurrence, of behavior. ABA uses methods of analysis that yield convincing, reproducible, and conceptually sensible demonstrations of how to accomplish specific behavior changes (Baer & Risley, 1987). Moreover, these behaviors are evaluated within relevant settings such as schools, homes, and the community. The use of single-case experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of individualized interventions is an essential component of programs based upon ABA methodologies.

This is a process that includes the following components:

ABA is a well-documented and researched field of study yielding effective methods that promote socially meaningful behavior change over time.