Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Integrative Summary

Throughout these readings, I gained knowledge in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) itself, and its use in academic interventions, behavioral assessment and evaluation, behavioral fluency, functional behavior assessment, and instruction. I discovered a couple common threads connecting many of the readings. In addition, I became aware of processes that I will find useful in my profession. I also came across information that struck and surprised me.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a method of looking at the behaviors, or the things people do and say, within their environment. ABA analyzes behavior scientifically. There can be a behavioral deficit, which means that the behavior is not occurring or not occurring enough. There can also be a behavioral excess which would mean that the problem behavior is occurring or it is occurring too often. Applied research, or the research involved in ABA, is different from basic research in that it focuses on behaviors that are socially important. These behaviors must be observed and changed within the natural setting. The dimensions of ABA mentioned by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968), include: applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptual systems, effective, and generality. It is crucial to collect data throughout the process of ABA or behavior modification to show if the procedure

A method that works for one particular individual, may not necessarily be as successive to the same degree for another. This tread was found throughout the readings that covered academic intervention and behavioral assessment and evaluations. Although, at first this approach may not seem to be much of a time saver for researchers trying to reach many people at one time. However, once the function of the behavior is discovered, the researcher can use his or her tie wisely modifying the behavior instead of guessing and checking multiple