Define Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

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Questions for Boutot & Hume, 2012 E. Amanda Boutot & Kara Hume Texas State University & University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Michael Calalang September 10, 2017 1. Define Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Please state in your own words… Do not use quotes. The best way to describe Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is to understand human behavior, what causes the behavior and how to use evidence-based techniques to shape the individual’s behavior. I also view ABA as therapy for individuals who struggle with behavioral issues, finding ways to replace problem behaviors and reinforcing the participant’s appropriate behaviors in specific settings. 2. How is ABA different from Behavior Modification? …show more content…

Behavior Modification strategizes to reduce varieties of unwanted or unexpected behavior by utilizing reinforcement and punishment. In hopes to changing a specific behavior, the individual will learn that good behavior will result in good consequences. In a 1:1 setting, Discrete Teaching or DTT is a method part of ABA that involves the use of “three-term contingency” or simply known as antecedent, behavior and consequence. For example, in a 1:1 setting, a teacher asks a student to clap hands (antecedent), the student claps hands (behavior) the teacher gives student a piece of candy (consequence). 3. Explain how teachers use ABA without realizing its impact on their day-to-day interactions with their students. According to Buotot & Hume (2012), “In education, ABA is routinely used in attempts to teach new skills and decrease challenging behaviors” (pg. 24). Based on my own observation, I’ve seen teachers implement a token economy (e.g., happy faces, stars, and stickers of different forms) to shape and reinforce positive behavior in the classroom. To maintain instructional control, tokens would be delivered immediately to a student when following simple instructions (e.g., following circle time, cleaning …show more content…

You are consulting in a classroom where the teacher wants to change the “bad attitude” of a student. If you targeted the student’s “bad attitude” would your actions be considered behavior analytic according to Baer et al. (1968) and Boutot & Hume (2012)? Why or why not? My actions would be considered behavior analytic according to both Baer et al. (1968) and Buotot & Hume (2012) because the “bad attitude” is the target behavior and could be testable if given more information as to why is the student having a “bad attitude” in the classroom. ABA could be used to decrease the challenging behavior when provided the appropriate techniques. I would properly do an assessment in the classroom to see if the behavior is observable and measurable. If the student is giving a “bad attitude” because of an assignment, then I could design a reinforcement schedule to alter the “bad attitude” to a “good attitude.” If the student completes the assignment in the classroom, then the student will be rewarded with a token for the “good attitude.” 5. What are the 4 common myths cited by Boutot & Hume (2012)? State in your own words one way you might explain one of these myths to a parent or teacher. Make sure you also explain how the myth is inaccurate. According to Boutot & Hume (2012), the four common myth are: (1) “ABA and DTT

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