The term “applied behavior analysis” or “applied behavior analysis” refers to a type of procedure that uses the principles and techniques of learning psychology to modify the behavior of people who need help. More specifically, applied behavioral analysis is based on the Skinnerian operant paradigm. In general, it consists of replacing inappropriate behaviors with others that are functionally equivalent but more desirable. To do this, it is necessary to first carry out the functional analysis of the behavior, that is, determine the contingencies between the response, the motivation to execute it, the stimuli that precede it and the consequences that maintain it.
The concept is very close to that of behavior modification; Currently both are frequently used interchangeably, although “applied behavioral analysis” is considered more correct as it has a broader meaning and highlights the relevance of functional analysis of behavior.
This discipline has been applied in a very particular way to promote the education of children with autism spectrum disorders (especially those related to language), although it is also used in people with intellectual or physical functional diversity, with severe mental disorders or with dependence on substances, as well as in non-clinical or educational contexts.
Burrhus Frederick Skinner developed the paradigm of operant conditioning by reconceptualizing the knowledge provided by his predecessors in behavioral orientation within the framework of radical behaviorism, which deals with observable behavior without treating hypothetical constructs, in particular the mind, as basic components.
However, unlike what many psychologists think, the operant model and radical behaviorism do not deny or ignore the importance of thoughts and other intermediary psychological variables. In fact, the most common thing in the functional analysis of behavior is to include motivations, beliefs, expectations and other cognitive processes.
Applied behavioral analysis as such dates back to the 1960s . At this time, researchers and theorists from the universities of Washington and Kansas began to work systematically in this field and founded the journal “Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis”, of which Skinner himself would be president until his death.
A particularly important academic in this field was Ivar Lovaas, who promoted and contributed in a key way to the systematization of the use of applied behavior analysis in cases of childhood autism . The popularization of this discipline in subsequent decades greatly increased the scope of applied behavioral analysis.
Applied behavioral analysis, as with operant conditioning in general, is largely based on the concept of reinforcement , which is defined as the strengthening of a given response because its execution entails positive consequences (or, put simply, more correct, appetitive) for whoever carries it out.
In this framework, both the withdrawal of contingent reinforcers for unwanted behaviors, which is called "extinction", and the application of new reinforcers after the performance of the behaviors that are intended to be consolidated are fundamental. It is preferable that reinforcement be immediate, but beyond this it is best to individualize it.
Another key component of applied behavior analysis is the high degree of structuring of the procedures . This allows for systematic evaluation of progress in treatment or training, and is especially important for autistic people due to their characteristic need for environmental structuring.
Some of the most common psychological techniques in applied behavior analysis are modeling (learning by observation and imitation), molding (progressive perfection of a response), chaining (division of complex behaviors into segments) and differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors. with which you seek to eliminate.
As we have previously mentioned, the most characteristic procedures of applied behavior analysis are those related to autism, Asperger syndrome and other pervasive developmental disorders . The key aspects of these disorders are deficits in communication, social interaction and the variety of behavioral repertoire.
In these cases, applied behavioral analysis has a wide variety of uses, such as the development and improvement of spoken language and other procedural skills ; For example, it is common for children with these disorders to have difficulties learning basic self-care skills.
From a clinical point of view, applied behavioral analysis can be used in practically any type of problem, given that it is a very general intervention framework. However, it can be especially useful for consolidating alternative behaviors to those that characterize the client's specific pathology.
Beyond education and clinical psychology, other fields in which applied behavior analysis is used include health and fitness promotion, medical interventions , occupational safety, dementia management, and training and care. of non-human animals.
Taken from Psychology and Mind.