Psychology

There is an interesting history in the development and evolution of the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and our science continues to change and evolve as does the society in which we live. Review Jon Bailey’s chapter, “A Futuristic Perspective on Applied Behavior Analysis” from the assigned readings. In his chapter, he asks, “How do we “package” behavior analysis findings for maximum impact?…Our part will be to work with current trends and make sure that our field has been optimally formulated to address them, as well as to plan future research that will be timely and relevant.” (p.480). Considering the seminal work of Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) on the Seven Dimension of Applied Behavior Analysis, discuss how these dimensions of ABA remain relevant to the futuristic perspectives presented by Dr. Bailey. Finally, discuss a “futuristic” domain of behavior analysis that you would be interested in pursuing or learning more about that would serve society as a whole? What steps could you take, even on a small scale, to enhance the benefit of your futuristic perspective for society?

Review two of your classmates’ responses using following ideas as a guide:

The relevance of specific dimensions of ABA to the discussion on Dr. Bailey’s perspective
Additional suggestions for taking active steps towards the classmate’s identified domain of interest to benefit society.
Ask at least one thoughtful follow up question.

ANSWER

Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis, simply put, is the scientific study of behavior. This essay reviews the Journal “A futuristic perspective on applied behavior analysis.” Correlations are drawn between the presentation of conclusions from behavior analysis and the maximum impact created in the result. Current trends are also examined to determine whether the existing format is efficient and whether it could be used as a basis for any relevant future research. The essay intends to answer the given discussion questions while providing reasons for the futuristic development of Applied Behavior Analysis.

The journal is about research that leans towards a futuristic point of view with regards to behavior analysis. Various social subjects, such as the use of paradigm shifts in service delivery, are discussed. Jon Bailey’s book also looks into how cultural and social aspects of life can be used to secure the future of applied behavior analysis. Bailey also talks about new research methods that are being formulated for applied behavior analysis (Bailey, 2000). The place of behavior analysis in the society, emerging trends in the society, and the place of behavior analysis in the near future are also discussed.

The seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis are still relevant to the future-oriented perspective of Jon Bailey. These dimensions, as proposed by Bear, Wolf, and Risley, suggest that all analyses pertaining to behavior should be conceptual and analytical. The seven dimensions propose that Applied Behavioral Analysis can generate technological innovations that can give general outcomes when used in the right conditions (Bailey, 2000). Bailey’s ideas are built along the direction of the seven dimensions because it also proposes that Applied Behavioral Analysis should be tailored to serve as a basis for future behavioral analysis.

The futuristic domain of behavior analysis that I would be interested in is the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. This is a branch of psychology that uses fundamental methods that are data-driven to establish practical relationships between backgrounds and behaviors in human beings. The practice of Applied Behavior Analysis mostly banks on concepts and theories, but experimental behavior analysis utilizes these theories and puts them into practice to establish their basis. I would improve on Experimental Analysis of Behavior by developing better experimental designs in behavior analysis. This can be done by incorporating special equipment that can manipulate several variables to clarify these approaches better. This would help to accurately analyze behavior in the future.

In conclusion, the paper has reviewed Bailey’s journal on the future of Applied Behavioral Analysis. A correlation between the seven dimensions of ABA and Jon Bailey’s futuristic ideas was also drawn. The essay then proposed a futuristic domain that could be studied and the steps that can be made to improve its results. The established that Applied Behavior Analysis needs to be properly tailored for future works to build on it.

References

Bailey, J. S. (2000). A futurist Perspective for Applied Behavior Analysis. Handbook of applied behavior analysis, P. 473–488.