How To Use Applied Behavior Analysis Alabama

By Amanda Lee


Most anyone having studied, or working in the fields of psychiatry and psychology have most likely heard of B. F. Skinner, Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. While originally known as "Behavior Modification, " part of Skinner's theory, applied behavior analysis Alabama refers to the transformation of negative behavioral issues. To learn more about psychology and ABA, two organizations, edX and Coursera offer free online classes from a number of universities.

When it comes to this analysis, there are basically two aspects. These two aspects are environmental and scientific. The application, or ABA as it's more commonly known, works to assess the relationship between environment and behavior. If no relationship is found, then analysts generally work to diagnose a cause that is biological or scientific. While B. F. Skinner included these principles in "behavior modification" theory, there was no concept of environmental cause at that time.

Professionals often look at all possible impacts when it comes to negative behavioral and emotional issues. When environmental factors can be eliminated as cause, then most often an individual must visit a professional for a diagnosis. In most cases, these behaviors are caused by a chemical brain imbalance, physical disability or severe mental illness.

This theory can be applied to animals and humans. There are some basic principles which can be used in the application for both species. These are negative reinforcements for negative behaviors and positive reinforcement for positive behaviors. While negative reinforcements include various type punishment, positive reinforcements can range from compliments and gifts to awards.

While the emphasis of the application is to change socially significant behaviors from negative to more positive ones, it's not always easy. When using these methods, it is important to always reward good behaviors, especially when having previously disciplined the subject for negative ones. Otherwise, the recipient can not always determine desired behaviors from those which are inappropriate.

In establishing alternatives, positive reinforcement need occur on a regular basis. For example, when training a dog, the theory states to always reward improvement. Otherwise, a dog will never grasp the concepts of positive and negative response. When it comes to people, rewarding positive behaviors rather than focusing on negative ones is imperative. In instances where negative punishment must be applied, parents, guardians, caretakers or authorities need always provide a reason for punishment.

When having issues with training a dog or other animal, it is often necessary to use condition based training. Condition based training requires communication between the animal trainer, pet sitter or owner and the animal. A good example is when a dog obeys a command and receives a dog biscuit or other treat. Unless this occurs on a regular basis, the dog may very well forget and have to relearn the command. If given treats when displaying negative behavioral issues, then the animal may repeat the behavior thinking more treats will be provided.

Whether animal or human, the primary aspects of ABA are generalization, discrimination, desensitization, motivating operations and stimulus control. By using these and other methodical elements, individuals can often help transform negative behaviors into more positive ones. While only slightly different than Behavior Modification theory, ABA clearly provides a short-cut to determining the cause of negative behavior. As such, any negative behavioral issues can often be changed in a shorter window of time.




About the Author: