Applied behavioral analysis: definition, techniques and uses

Applied behavioral analysis, a scientific-practical procedure that has its origin in the radical behaviorism of B. F. Skinner, has evolved a lot since pioneers like Skinner began developing the operant conditioning paradigm about 100 years ago.

In this article we will describe applied behavioral analysis and its main techniques and utilities.

• Related article: "Behaviorism: history, concepts and main authors"

Defining applied behavioral analysis

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 behavior of people who need help. More specifically, applied behavioral analysis is based on the Skinnerian operant paradigm.

In general, it consists of substituting inappropriate behaviors for others that are functionally equivalent but more desirable. For this it is necessary to carry out in the first place functional analysis of behavior, that is, determining contingenciess 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; at present both are frequently used interchangeably, although it is considered that “behavioral analysis applied ”is more correct because it has a broader meaning and highlights the relevance of the functional analysis of the conduct.

This discipline has been applied in a very particular way to promote the education of children with autism spectrum disorders (especially that related to language), although it is also used in people with intellectual or physical functional diversity, with mental disorders severe or substance-dependent, as well as in non-clinical and non-educational contexts.

Historical evolution

Burrhus Frederick Skinner developed the paradigm of operant conditioning by reconceptualizing the knowledge contributed by his predecessors in behavioral orientation in the framework of radical behaviorism, which deals with behavior observable untreated as building blocks hypothetical constructs, particularly the mind.

However, and contrary to what many psychologists think, the operant model and behaviorism radical do not deny or ignore the importance of thoughts and other psychological variables intermediaries. In fact, the most common thing in the functional analysis of behavior is that motivations, beliefs, expectations and other cognitive processes are included.

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 on this field and founded the journal "Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis", of which Skinner himself would be president until his death of him.

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 behavioral analysis in cases of autism childish. The popularization of this discipline in subsequent decades greatly increased the range of action of applied behavioral analysis.

• You may be interested: "The theory of B. F. Skinner and behaviorism"

Techniques and methods used

Applied behavioral analysis, as with operant conditioning in general, relies heavily on the concept of reinforcement, which is defined as the strengthening of a given response because its execution carries positive (or, more correctly, appetitive) consequences for those who carry it out. cape.

In this framework, both the withdrawal of contingent reinforcers to unwanted behaviors are fundamental, to which called “extinction”, as the application of new reinforcers after the performance of the intended behaviors consolidate. It is preferable that the reinforcement is immediate, but beyond this it is best to individualize it.

Another key component of applied behavioral analysis is the high degree of structuring of the procedures. This allows a systematic assessment of progress in treatment or training to be carried out, and is especially important for autistic people due to their characteristic need for structuring environmental.

Some of the most common psychological techniques in applied behavioral analysis are modeling (learning by observation and imitation), shaping (progressive refinement of a response), chaining (division of complex behaviors into segments) and the differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors with which it is sought to eliminate.

• Related article: "5 behavior modification techniques"

Applications of this discipline

As we have previously mentioned, the most characteristic procedures of applied behavioral 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 the behavioral repertoire.

In these cases, applied behavioral analysis has a wide variety of uses, such as the development and the improvement of spoken language and other procedural skills; for example, it is common for children with these disorders to have difficulty learning basic self-care skills.

From a clinical point of view, applied behavioral analysis can be used in practically any type of problem, since it is a very general intervention framework. However, it can be especially useful for the consolidation of alternative behaviors to those that characterize the specific pathology of the client.

Beyond education and clinical psychology, other fields in which applied behavioral analysis is used include promoting health and physical exercise, medical interventions, job safety, dementia management, and training and care of nonhuman animals.