Behavior Analysis in Psychology

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Behavior Analysis?Types of Behavior AnalysisHistoryApplication of Applied Behavioral AnalysisPersonal Application of Behavioral Analysis

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

What Is Behavior Analysis?

Types of Behavior Analysis

History

Application of Applied Behavioral Analysis

Personal Application of Behavioral Analysis

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Behavior analysis is the scientific study of behavior. It focuses on understanding why people behave the way they do, how behavior can be changed, and how certain behaviors can be prevented. By utilizing the principles of learning theory, behavior analysts can improve the quality of life for individuals and families.

Behavior analysis is often used in mental health treatment to help people overcome problem behaviors. It can also be helpful in organizational settings to enhance employee performance. The basic principles of behavior analysis are often adapted for use in educational settings for optimal learning and classroom management.

Keep reading to explore more about the history of behavioral analysis, some of the practical applications of this approach, and how you can apply it in your personal life. You will also discover the purpose of certain behaviors and the techniques used to modify those behaviors.

Behavior analysis is based on the foundations and principles ofbehaviorism.Behaviorism is a branch of psychology rooted in the idea that all behaviors result from conditioning processes. Thisbranch of psychologyfocuses on understanding associative learning and howreinforcementandpunishmentcan be used to shape human behavior.

Division 25of theAmerican Psychological Associationis devoted to the area of behavior analysis. This division of the APA suggests that it is the specific focus on behavior as a subject that makes this field unique.

According to theBehavior Analyst Certification Board, behavior is the result of circumstances. Behavior analysts seek to understand and apply thelaws of behaviorthat reveal how behaviors develop through the impact of the consequences that come immediately after a behavior. This has become a tool for designing behavior modification strategies for decreasing problematic behaviors and teaching more adaptive responses.

There are two major areas of behavior analysis: experimental and applied. The experimental side focuses on adding to the body of scientific knowledge about how people learn. The applied area focuses on using that knowledge to help people overcome problems they may be facing.

Experimental Behavior Analysis

Experimental behavior analysis involves basic research designed to add to the body of knowledge about behavior. The goal of this area is to add to our fundamental understanding of human behavior.

Psychologists conduct primary research to explore how environmental influences affect behavior. In particular, mental health professionals observe how naturally occurring consequences impact the responses that people display.

Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) focuses on applying behavior principles to real-world situations. This process involves taking what researchers know about behavior and using it in individual, social, and cultural contexts.

Those who work in applied behavior analysis are interested in behaviors and their relationship with the environment. Rather than focusing on internal states, ABA therapists focus on observable behaviors and utilize behavioral techniques to bring about behavioral change.

For example, behavior analysts might use what they know about learning and behavior to help kids who have intellectual or developmental disorders or are dealing with maladaptive behaviors.

RecapBehavior analysis is both a scientific and applied discipline. Scientific research helps professionals understand the learning process, which then allows professionals to utilize this knowledge to help people change behaviors and improve lives.

Recap

Behavior analysis is both a scientific and applied discipline. Scientific research helps professionals understand the learning process, which then allows professionals to utilize this knowledge to help people change behaviors and improve lives.

History of Behavior Analysis

Behaviorism was primarily established through the work of four theorists: Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, Edward Thorndike, and B. F. Skinner.

These concepts of classical and operant conditioning play influential roles in applied behavior analysis and as a component of some psychotherapy methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Behaviorism was once a very prominent school of thought within psychology, although its dominance began to decline during the 1950s as psychologists became more interested in humanistic and cognitive approaches.

Behaviorism no longer dominates psychology in its purest form, but behavioral techniques are still widely used today in childhood interventions, mental health settings, and public health programs.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has many practical applications. Behavioral management strategies can be applied in mental health settings, classrooms, alcohol/drug treatment programs, workplaces, and public health interventions.

ABA is particularly useful when focused on helping children and adults learn positive social skills and communication skills, or reduce maladaptive behaviors. One study found that this method improved behaviors, language, social abilities, and play skills.

All behaviors serve a purpose; however, they may be maladaptive for a person. There may also be factors in the environment that are reinforcing problematic behaviors.

Behavior analysts identify the underlying goal of a person’s maladaptive behaviors, as well as the environmental structures maintaining them, and design individualized interventions that help people get their needs met in more positive and prosocial ways.

Understanding the Purpose of Problematic Behavior

In order to decrease problematic behavior, we need to understand the function of that behavior. Research shows there are four main purposes for engaging in behavior: sensory needs, escape, attention, and tangibles (S-E-A-T).

Three Components of Behavior

There are three components to understanding behavior that encompasses what happens before, during, and after a behavior, known as theABC model of behavior:

A:Theantecedent(a cue that triggers the behavior)B:Thebehavior(the behavior, typically in response to an antecedent)C:Theconsequence(what happens after the response)

A:Theantecedent(a cue that triggers the behavior)

B:Thebehavior(the behavior, typically in response to an antecedent)

C:Theconsequence(what happens after the response)

For example, if the purpose of the target behavior on display is an attempt to get attention, then ignoring the behavior (if it is safe to do so) would make it less rewarding, which would eventually cause that behavioral response to decrease because it does not serve its intended purpose.

In contrast, you would intentionally provide more positive attention to behaviors that are deserving of praise and rewards so the person is reinforced for more prosocial ways of getting their needs met.

Techniques Used to Change Behavior

What Is ABA Therapy?

Positive Reinforcement is the Key

ABA emphasizes positive reinforcement to change behavior. Reward systems and token economies are popular methods to achieve behavior change across settings.

ABA is a specific approach frequently used to treat developmental disorders in children and is considered the “gold standard” of treatment for people with autism.

PsychologistIvar Lovaasdeveloped one form of ABA therapy known as theLovaas methodto teach skills to people with autism. This approach relies on a process known as discrete trial training to mold behavior emphasizing the use of positive reinforcement.

What Is Discrete Trial Training?Discrete trial training involves breaking down behaviors into smaller components. Each component of the behavior is then systematically taught using reinforcement.

What Is Discrete Trial Training?

Discrete trial training involves breaking down behaviors into smaller components. Each component of the behavior is then systematically taught using reinforcement.

The Lovaas method is often used to help children gain communication skills that can then be applied at home and school. The approach also incorporates parental involvement to practice discrete trials in a home environment.

Behavior Therapy: ABA, CBT, REBT, DBT and more!

Sometimes a trained professional is needed to help with behavioral management; however, self-management is encouraged whenever possible.

Everyone has behaviors they would like to eliminate (e.g. smoking) and skills they would like to acquire (e.g. giving public speeches). It’s not always easy to stay motivated and disciplined when working on changing your own behaviors. It can help to set up a reward system designed to shape your behavior with meaningful treats and activities as you inch closer to your final goals.

Let’s say you are determined to eat more fruits and veggies. Consider rewarding yourself each week that you successfully eat a set amount of fruits and veggies per day. If you currently eatzerofruits and veggies, then the goal for week 1 could be to consumeonefruit or veggie per day. Give yourself a checkmark each day you successfully meet your goal.How many checkmarks do you need to earn your reward? It’s up to you! Maybe you will require at least 5 checkmarks during the week to earn your reward.The reward should be something that motivates you and encourages you to keep going, but affordable and accessible (probably not a trip to the Caribbean yet). Continue toshapeyour eating behaviors with successive approximations toward your final goal, rewarding yourself each week until you have built a new way of life. Then move on to your next goal.We advise that you do not make too many changes at one time. It is easy to get overwhelmed, and then just want to throw in the towel. Slow and steady wins this race.

Let’s say you are determined to eat more fruits and veggies. Consider rewarding yourself each week that you successfully eat a set amount of fruits and veggies per day. If you currently eatzerofruits and veggies, then the goal for week 1 could be to consumeonefruit or veggie per day. Give yourself a checkmark each day you successfully meet your goal.

How many checkmarks do you need to earn your reward? It’s up to you! Maybe you will require at least 5 checkmarks during the week to earn your reward.

The reward should be something that motivates you and encourages you to keep going, but affordable and accessible (probably not a trip to the Caribbean yet). Continue toshapeyour eating behaviors with successive approximations toward your final goal, rewarding yourself each week until you have built a new way of life. Then move on to your next goal.

We advise that you do not make too many changes at one time. It is easy to get overwhelmed, and then just want to throw in the towel. Slow and steady wins this race.

How Self-Monitoring Can Help You Adapt Your Behavior

Summary

Behavioral analysis is an approach that has both theoretical and practical applications. The field has many applications, including mental health, classroom management, organizational performance, and healthcare.

While rooted in the work of behaviorist thinkers, behavior analysis continues to have a significant influence today. Behavior analysts utilize strategies such as shaping, reinforcement, chaining, and prompting to help people change behaviors and acquire new skills.

The 6 Stages of Change

10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fisher WW, Piazza CC, Roane HS.Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis. Guilford Press.Behavior Analyst Certification Board.About behavior analysis.Division 25 Behavior Analysis.About behavior analysis.Pilgrim C.Some thoughts on shaping future behavior analysts: A call to stay true to our roots.Behav Anal Pract. 2018;11(3):204-205. doi:10.1007/s40617-018-0233-0Morris EK, Altus DE, Smith NG.A study in the founding of applied behavior analysis through its publications.Behav Anal. 2013;36(1):73-107. doi:10.1007/bf03392293Maglione MA, Gans D, Das L, et al.Nonmedical interventions for children with ASD: Recommended guidelines and further research needs.Pediatrics. 2012;130(Supplement_2):S169-S178. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-0900OAlstot AE, Alstot CD.Behavior management: Examining the functions of behavior.Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. 2015;86(2):22-28. doi:10.1080/07303084.2014.988373Thompson RH, Iwata BA.A descriptive analysis of social consequences following problem behavior.J Appl Behav Anal. 2001;34(2):169-178. doi:10.1901/jaba.2001.34-169Leaf JB, Leaf R, McEachin J, et al.Applied behavior analysis is a science and, therefore, progressive.J Autism Dev Disord. 2015;46(2):720-731. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2591-6Roane HS, Fisher WW, Carr JE.Applied behavior analysis as treatment for autism spectrum disorder.J Pediatrics. 2016;175:27-32. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.04.023

10 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fisher WW, Piazza CC, Roane HS.Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis. Guilford Press.Behavior Analyst Certification Board.About behavior analysis.Division 25 Behavior Analysis.About behavior analysis.Pilgrim C.Some thoughts on shaping future behavior analysts: A call to stay true to our roots.Behav Anal Pract. 2018;11(3):204-205. doi:10.1007/s40617-018-0233-0Morris EK, Altus DE, Smith NG.A study in the founding of applied behavior analysis through its publications.Behav Anal. 2013;36(1):73-107. doi:10.1007/bf03392293Maglione MA, Gans D, Das L, et al.Nonmedical interventions for children with ASD: Recommended guidelines and further research needs.Pediatrics. 2012;130(Supplement_2):S169-S178. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-0900OAlstot AE, Alstot CD.Behavior management: Examining the functions of behavior.Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. 2015;86(2):22-28. doi:10.1080/07303084.2014.988373Thompson RH, Iwata BA.A descriptive analysis of social consequences following problem behavior.J Appl Behav Anal. 2001;34(2):169-178. doi:10.1901/jaba.2001.34-169Leaf JB, Leaf R, McEachin J, et al.Applied behavior analysis is a science and, therefore, progressive.J Autism Dev Disord. 2015;46(2):720-731. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2591-6Roane HS, Fisher WW, Carr JE.Applied behavior analysis as treatment for autism spectrum disorder.J Pediatrics. 2016;175:27-32. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.04.023

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Fisher WW, Piazza CC, Roane HS.Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis. Guilford Press.Behavior Analyst Certification Board.About behavior analysis.Division 25 Behavior Analysis.About behavior analysis.Pilgrim C.Some thoughts on shaping future behavior analysts: A call to stay true to our roots.Behav Anal Pract. 2018;11(3):204-205. doi:10.1007/s40617-018-0233-0Morris EK, Altus DE, Smith NG.A study in the founding of applied behavior analysis through its publications.Behav Anal. 2013;36(1):73-107. doi:10.1007/bf03392293Maglione MA, Gans D, Das L, et al.Nonmedical interventions for children with ASD: Recommended guidelines and further research needs.Pediatrics. 2012;130(Supplement_2):S169-S178. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-0900OAlstot AE, Alstot CD.Behavior management: Examining the functions of behavior.Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. 2015;86(2):22-28. doi:10.1080/07303084.2014.988373Thompson RH, Iwata BA.A descriptive analysis of social consequences following problem behavior.J Appl Behav Anal. 2001;34(2):169-178. doi:10.1901/jaba.2001.34-169Leaf JB, Leaf R, McEachin J, et al.Applied behavior analysis is a science and, therefore, progressive.J Autism Dev Disord. 2015;46(2):720-731. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2591-6Roane HS, Fisher WW, Carr JE.Applied behavior analysis as treatment for autism spectrum disorder.J Pediatrics. 2016;175:27-32. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.04.023

Fisher WW, Piazza CC, Roane HS.Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis. Guilford Press.

Behavior Analyst Certification Board.About behavior analysis.

Division 25 Behavior Analysis.About behavior analysis.

Pilgrim C.Some thoughts on shaping future behavior analysts: A call to stay true to our roots.Behav Anal Pract. 2018;11(3):204-205. doi:10.1007/s40617-018-0233-0

Morris EK, Altus DE, Smith NG.A study in the founding of applied behavior analysis through its publications.Behav Anal. 2013;36(1):73-107. doi:10.1007/bf03392293

Maglione MA, Gans D, Das L, et al.Nonmedical interventions for children with ASD: Recommended guidelines and further research needs.Pediatrics. 2012;130(Supplement_2):S169-S178. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-0900O

Alstot AE, Alstot CD.Behavior management: Examining the functions of behavior.Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. 2015;86(2):22-28. doi:10.1080/07303084.2014.988373

Thompson RH, Iwata BA.A descriptive analysis of social consequences following problem behavior.J Appl Behav Anal. 2001;34(2):169-178. doi:10.1901/jaba.2001.34-169

Leaf JB, Leaf R, McEachin J, et al.Applied behavior analysis is a science and, therefore, progressive.J Autism Dev Disord. 2015;46(2):720-731. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2591-6

Roane HS, Fisher WW, Carr JE.Applied behavior analysis as treatment for autism spectrum disorder.J Pediatrics. 2016;175:27-32. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.04.023

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