Applied Behavior Analysis

• Applied Behavior Analysis is a distinct field:

The application of behavioral principles to a
wide range of socially relevant behavior.
• There is a focus on analysis, i.e.,
understanding why the behavior occurs
 Applied Behavior Analysis
• Applied: The behavior, stimuli, and/or
organism under study are selected because of
there importance to society.

• NOTE: Applied research and Basic research

exist on a continuum. It is not necessarily
fruitful to debate whether a study is “applied”
or “basic.”
 Applied Behavior Analysis
• Behavioral: Involves the precise measurement
of behavior (not reports of behavior).

• Analysis: Involves a believable demonstration

of factors responsible for the occurrence or
non-occurrence of behavior (i.e., a functional
relationship).
 Some areas studied in ABA
• Autism
• Developmental Disabilities
• Education
• Business and Industry
• Substance Abuse
• Behavioral Medicine (i.e., health-related
behavior).
• Community
• Behavioral Gerontology
 Career Opportunities in ABA
• Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst
(BCABA): bachelors degree, works under the
supervision of a BCBA.
• Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA):
Masters or Ph.D. level
• Masters degree programs (SHSU, UNT, USF, FSU,
FIT, Auburn, etc.)
• Ph.D. programs (UF, WMU, WVU, KU, UNR, etc.)
• Advantages of Ph.D. vs. Masters?
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbH_jpYlY
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