There is an interesting history in the development and evolution of the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and our science continues to change and evolve as does the society in which we live. In the text, Applied Behavior Analysis, Cooper et al. (2020) describe Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as "a science devoted to understanding and improving human behavior" (p. 2). This course will introduce you to the basic foundation of concepts and principles that underlie the science and goals of ABA.
For this discussion, you will read pages 19-23 in Cooper et al., 2020, the introductory chapter in Case Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis for Students and Adults with Disabilities, and review resources and information at the BACB website's "About Behavior Analysis" page.
At the BACB web site, watch the introductory video "About Behavior Analysis." At the same site, review the fact sheets on subspecialties of practice in ABA (there are also videos associated with these fact sheets which you may want to review).
After your review, choose three subspecialties in ABA. Describe the goals of each of these subspecialties and discuss how practice in these areas supports the Cooper et al. (2020) description of ABA.
Finally, refer to Figure 1.3 (Improving people's quality of life from A to Z) in chapter 1 of Cooper et al. (2020). Considering the historical perspective provided in the Watson (1913) reading and the futuristic perspective described by Bailey (2000), along with the overview of the goals of ABA presented by Storey and Haymes (2017), discuss how practice in these varied areas contributes to a "science devoted to understanding and improving human behavior" (Cooper et al., 2020). Be sure to use the various readings and resources to support your work throughout.
Decrease costly or inefficient behaviors (e.g., accidents, absenteeism, and errors).
Enhance job satisfaction and positive workplace culture through effective reinforcement systems.
Support for Cooper et al. (2020) Description: OBM directly supports the goal of improving human behavior by creating and managing environments where employees are more likely to engage in effective and safe behaviors. It applies the science of behavior to a socially significant area—the workplace—thus contributing to the overall improvement of behavior in a broad societal context.
2. Behavioral Gerontology 👴👵
Behavioral gerontology is the application of behavior analysis to age-related issues and concerns, particularly with older adults.
Goals:
Help older adults maintain and acquire daily living skills (e.g., self-care, memory, and mobility) to enhance independence.
Reduce challenging behaviors (e.g., aggression, wandering, or agitation) often associated with neurocognitive disorders.
Improve the quality of life and care services for older adults and their caregivers by implementing sustainable, non-pharmacological supports.
Support for Cooper et al. (2020) Description: This subspecialty exemplifies ABA's commitment to understanding and improving human behavior across the entire lifespan. By focusing on maintaining skills and enhancing well-being in later life, it addresses complex, socially important behavior changes that significantly improve an individual's independence and dignity, a direct application of ABA's focus on meaningful change.
3. Behavioral Sport Psychology 🏅
Behavioral sport psychology applies behavior-analytic principles and methods to performance and coaching in athletic contexts.
Sample Answer
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a dynamic field that continually expands its applications to address socially significant human behavior, fulfilling the core description by Cooper, Heron, and Heward (2020) as "a science devoted to understanding and improving human behavior." The various subspecialties and the field's historical and futuristic perspectives all reinforce this mission.
Subspecialties in Applied Behavior Analysis
The following three subspecialties exemplify how ABA principles are applied to improve behavior across diverse settings and populations.
1. Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) 🏢
The primary goal of OBM is to apply behavioral principles to improve performance and productivity within organizational settings. OBM focuses on areas such as performance management, behavior-based safety, and behavioral systems analysis.
Goals:
Increase desired workplace behaviors (e.g., productivity, efficiency, and safe work practices).