Would you like a lesson in behavior analysis without all the gobbledygook? Families interested in learning about behavior analysis often have their queries met with confusing answers. An online search mostly yields jargon-filled research studies. Practitioner explanations aren’t especially clear either. How do you explain behavior analysis to someone who knows nothing? While it may only scratch the surface, the 3 Branches of Behavior Analysis is the best way to describe the basis of the field.
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Behaviorism
Past and present day psychologists associate behavior with the mind. However, in the first half of the twentieth century, a novel branch of psychology began to emerge. It was called behaviorism. It philosophy denies the mind’s exclusive control over behavior. Certainly, the inner self was still credited with having a form of control over us. But, now included were behaviors with external influences. For instance, bodily reflexes. Some of which are activated by what we sense around us. Also, purposeful behaviors. Such as those we do to get what is near and dear to us. Finally, those which result in a switch to a more comfortable state of being. Example, we put on a sweater when in a chilly room. The study of behavior as a natural science was the result.
Experimental Analysis of Behavior
As with any science, experimentation is the means by which to demonstrate proof of a relation between events. Psychologists with behavioral views, (behaviorists) took their theories to research labs. In particular, one, Burrhus Frederic Skinner (a.k.a. B.F. Skinner). The American psychologist dedicated much of his work to behaviorism. The experimental analysis of behavior, centered around his philosophy known as radical behaviorism. Seeing that some behaviors could be controlled entirely by the consequences directed at them, he labeled them operant behaviors. In this situation, patterns of behavior allow for estimates of behaviors likely to happen again under similar conditions.
The Skinner Box
Skinner built a mechanized box for the purpose of his study. It automatically dispensed food pellets at the press of a lever inside it. A lab rat set was set inside. It would basically explore the space. Then, inevitably press the lever and be rewarded with a food pellet. Repeat lever presses ensued without delay. The rat was then returned to a standard cage. Later, that same rat was was again placed inside. You can probably guess what happens next. Once inside, it made beeline towards the lever! Learning ruled by operant behavior.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Skinner pioneered the science of behavior change to people in the mid-century. The approach is “one that not only seeks to discover the laws governing human behavior, but also applies these laws to the betterment of humankind. That is the essence of applied behavior analysis” (Sulzer-Azaroff & Meyer, p.3). The earliest study was in 1949. It concerned a teenage boy in a vegetative state at a state institution. Due to his immobility, researchers guided him to move his right arm. A feeding syringe containing milk was kept nearby. Whenever they saw him motion, they did not hesitate to put milk droplets into his mouth. At last the boy could independently request nourishment. Eventually, the early childhood years became the focus of research. Including a later study on operant learning with young autistics in 1964.
Today, board certified behavior analysts (BCBA) employ modern behavior analytical practices in helping to modify problem behaviors, and encourage helpful ones in children with autism. Their interventions continue to rely heavily on the relation between behavior and the environment.
References
Cooper J.O, Heron T.E, Heward W.L. Applied behavior analysis (2nd ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson; 2007.
Fuller, P. R. (1949). Operant conditioning of a vegetative human organism. The American Journal of Psychology, 62, 587–590. https://doi.org/10.2307/1418565
McLeod, S. A. (2017, Febuary 05). Behaviorist approach. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html
Morris, E. K., Smith, N. G., & Altus, D. E. (2005). B. F. Skinner’s contributions to applied behavior analysis. The Behavior analyst, 28(2), 99–131. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392108
Sulzer-Azaroff, B., & Mayer, G. R. Behavior analysis for lasting change. New York, NY, US: Holt, Rinehart & Winston; 1991.