Linking Course Content to Practice Essay

Rogge et al. (2013) stated that positive reinforcement training provides animals the opportunity to voluntarily perform behaviors eliminating stress and possible negative results from other forms of training. The animal is rewarded with positive items when they complete a positive behavior and never punished for an incorrect behavior. This allows the keepers to work closely with their animals in a relaxed manner in closer proximity to the animals. The empirical study was conducted using two species of monkeys to see if there would be a change in behavior when positive reinforcement was used when training. The evidence of this basis of behavior was the animals of the study participating in the training sessions and showing positive changes in their behavior. I observed this bases of behavior at both of my sites. Positive reinforcement is the only form of training used at both of the sites I interned and volunteered at. I observed the zookeepers use positive reinforcement in the form of food when working with the elephants. At Brevard Zoo, I observed first-hand the benefits of positive reinforcement training when working with the Virginia Opossum and African Grey Parrot. The animals were eager to participate in the training session when they were rewarded with their favorite types of food. This bases of behavior will also be important in my future career because I will only work

When a student who has a disability’s educational placement is changed due to challenging behavior, a functional behavior assessment must be conducted. Functional behavior assessment (FBA) is used to aid in the development of behavior intervention plans (BIP’s). In a functional assessment, the type and the source of reinforcement for problem behaviors are used as a basis for intervention efforts that are designed to increase occurrence. Functional analysis can also be used to determine the specific function of a behavior, but FBA’s are more commonly used, especially in school settings. In a functional analysis (FA), antecedents and consequences that represent those in the person’s natural environment are arranged so that their effects on the problem behavior can be observed and measured. The difference between a functional analysis and functional behavior assessment is that the assessment establishes a connection between the behavior and antecedent or the consequent variables, but a functional analysis identifies informal relationships. For this reason, a functional analysis is seen to be a more valid tool for identifying the function of a behavior; however, there are limitations to using a functional analysis. This method may momentarily strengthen the problem behavior or result in the behavior acquiring new functions. Federal mandates like IDEA 2004 and school reforms such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) have played a role in the increase of the

In conclusion, the experiences I have had working with my clients as a behavior therapist and the past experience with people who are not considerate of children with disabilities, have encouraged me to pursue a career in Applied Behavior Analysis.Through my job, I have acquired certain skills that are needed to be a behavior analyst, such as data collection and behavior interventions. Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement in my techniques and much more for me to learn about this

Applied behaviour analysis can be defined as an approach that is based on scientific understanding aimed at bringing change to human behaviour. Problems involving behavioural changes affect people from a wide range of groups including individuals with autism spectrum, disabilities, dementia care, individuals in rehabilitation from brain injuries and childhood behavioural disorders. In this career there are some functions that will be ultimate for an analyst. For instance, I will be involved in conducting assessments based on behavioural changes to come up with answers to various patients’ challenges.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) can be applied to different settings, which may range from helping individuals with phobias to training a dog to sit. ABA is the process of scientifically applying interventions to complex or basic situations (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968). ABA is founded on the values of learning theory in order to develop and comprehend specific target behaviors (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968). Such work emphasizes the understanding of behavior. ABA aligns itself with natural sciences as opposed to the social sciences. ABA places its concentrations on observable behavior and its relationship to the environment (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968). ABA can be used to learn what is causing the problem

-Implemented applied behavioral analysis methods to help children overcome behavioral challenges and improve functional, interpersonal, and academic skills

Mackintosh (1997) starts his paper with a critique of radical behaviourism. In the 1960s, Pavlovian and Instrumental conditionings were main theories to explain animal and human behaviour. However, with cognitivism coming into the picture, learning theory has dramatically improved. Animal theorists started paying more attention to animal cognition, and nothing but well came from it, as researchers

CBS’s mission is to assist individuals with developmental disabilities and autism with the least intrusive methodology to live and work in the least restrictive environment and maximize their potential as constructive members of society. They are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), one to one direct instruction, consultation to parents and school staff, and individual and group workshop trainings. Each child has an individualized program according to the specific needs of the child and family.

In today’s society, people are very concerned about the behaviors of individuals and why the do certain things in a certain way. Communities are doing research and creating journals to help us out with this difficult subject. One journal is The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA). This journal is published by the Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior and aims to share research about the experimental analysis of behavior and how it can be applied to problems of social importance. Another scholarly journal focused on behavior studies is The Behaviour Research and Therapy journal. This journal focuses on understanding behavior and emotional disorders and ways to prevent and treat them. The methods used to understand these disorders include cognitive, behavioral, and psychophysiological models, examples, and methods.Both journals are great sources for gathering information and research about human behaviors and their relation to social skills.

Behavior analysts are one of many helping professions that exist in the world. One may ask what exactly is a helping profession? Not surprisingly, a helping profession is exactly what it says it is. It is a profession that nurtures the well-being of others. Doctors, psychologists, dentists, teachers, and nurses are other helping professions. It is not easy to work in a helping profession. If you are one of those helping professionals, you are expected to provide effective services for anyone with whom you work. The question then becomes how can you make sure that you are providing effective treatment. So what is it that makes behavior analysts and behavior analysis as a field unique and effective? How does another

This article focuses on experimental and applied behavior analysis. They begin their article with the history of how the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) began. The JEAB or Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB) was receiving a quit a collection of new techniques and theories in both clinical and experimental. It was after this time and the JABA was made. There quickly became a divide between experimental and behavioral analysis.

When considering interventions, it is important for the behavior analysts to determine the best intervention for the client and the families. The behavior analysts have a wide variety of issues to consider when they wanting to promote an intervention to the families, such as cultural issues. According to, the culture is the belief and goals that a large group of people have, and that it is important to understand the families when it comes to the cultural views and to meet the needs of the families with the best intervention plan that is best for the client. These are seen from generation to generation. In other words, the professional has to take into consideration that every culture does have disabilities or autism; they may be seen it in a different light than the professional. For example, in certain countries people believe that the child with a disability is because of past sin

Applied Behavioral Analysis is a natural science that aims to systematically apply intervention processes using the behavior learning theory in order to remove or change undesirable socially significant behaviors (Cooper, Heron, Heward, 2007). Applied behavioral analysis can be applied in many setting and situations and the intervention process and techniques depend on those settings and individual situations. Applied behavioral analysis is used to modify target behaviors that can occur in

A case study conducted on a Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat named Zeus showed that operant conditioning could be applied to animals as well as humans (Perth Zoo, 2017). The objective of the training was to improve Zeus’ behaviour after he escaped his enclosure and went on a rampage around the zoo (Perth Zoo, 2017). Through the use of positive reinforcement, Zeus was taught to remain within the borders of his enclosure and go to specific areas upon request, such as upon a set of scales to monitor his weight (Perth Zoo, 2017). Zookeepers used a clicker to act as a bridge to let Zeus know that he was on the right track in learning the desired behaviour of getting on the scales (Perth Zoo, 2017). In addition to the clicker, a target stick was used

Behavioral principles have long been employed to achieve educational progress with children who have intellectual disabilities (Drew & Hardman, 2007). An issue of substantial concern is behaviors that may be self-injurious or dangerous to those surrounding the individual. In order to prevent occurrences of inappropriate behavior, family members and the educational staff must put effective interventions into place. These behavior procedures include the use of punishment and aversive consequences, and are sometimes put forth by professionals to change inappropriate behavior (Drew & Hardman, 2007). However, controversy exists over the social and ethical issues involved with the implementation of aversive procedures, especially when working with young children.