Introduction to Psychology Aspects of ABA

Applied Behavior Analysis

There are many subfields in the realm of psychology, but one of the most engaging is that of ABA.

The Importance of Analysis in Applied Behavior Analysis

This research paper by Henry D. Schlinger brings to light some rather startling points about the work being done in our field.

What does it mean to be a behavior analyst?

A behavior analyst literally analyzes behavior.This is done by means of experimental or functional analysis.Once the relationship of behaviors are understood one can then target specific behaviors to modify.

How much analysis actually occurs?

Modern BCBAs typically do very little functional analysis.Often certification is awarded to those who have only studied and understand the modification processes of ABA with no theoretical background.

Who does the research?

Other fields have several arms of paraprofessionals available to research issues of the field.There are no such paraprofessionals in ABA.The task of research falls on the Behavior Analyst.

What type of training should be required?

Many certification courses provide enough education to pass the board exam but do not give fundamental understanding of the theories involved.Master degree level education should be the minimum required to even sit the certification exam.

7 levels of experimental analysis

1. Analyze the goals of the program in termsof the controlling variables under whichthe behaviors would typically occur in thenatural environment, so that those contingencies can be replicated or at least approximated in the treatment setting;2. Analyze all behaviors considered forchange, especially problem behaviors;3. Analyze all claims of reinforcement;4. Analyze all claims of treatment effects;5. Analyze sources of student error;6. Analyze environmental constraints that affect intervention (e.g., competing reinforcers for the child, the therapist, the parent, the teacher); and7. Analyze the controlling variables impacting teacher effectiveness.

What should be required for certification?

To be considered for certification, there are several fields one should be schooled in.Experimental analysis of behavior (EAB)Radical behaviorismVerbal behaviorAs well as the modification aspects of ABA

How does this relate to the future of ABA?

At this point little is being done in ABA in its truest senseBehavior Modifiers are being certified without the skills to actually be behavior analystsThe changes called for in this article would help to ensure that BCBAs have the understanding needed to offer successful therapies.For our field to advance better education and higher standards must be required.

Implementing Analysis in ABA

There are some specific yet simple ways to ensure that behavior analyst actually know how to analyze behavior.Degree programs have to put as much focus on theory as they do on practice.The Certification Board should cease to allow unqualified individuals to be eligible to take certification exams or widen the scope of the exams so that theoretical understanding of functional analysis is required to pass.Insurers should require a Master or Ph.D BCBA before covering costs of treatment.

References

Schlinger, H. D., Jr. (2017). The importance of analysis in applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 17, 334–346. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/bar0000080