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Lesson 1: Roots in Applied Behavior Analysis

Dimensions of ABA

In the 1960s (ABA is a relatively “young field”), a seminal article was published that outlined the dimensions of ABA. The seven dimensions are given in the table below. The article, published in 1968, is entitled “Some Current Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis” (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968). These dimensions are current to this day and continue to define the discipline of ABA:

Applied

Outcomes (dependent variables) have practical significance.

Someone’s life is better as a result of the intervention (independent variables).

Behavioral

Behavior is the dependent variable of interest.

Observable behavior lends itself to precise measurement and reliability.

Analytic

Demonstrated control of the variables so that a functional relationship is established.

This process removes threats to internal validity.

Technological

Procedures are precisely described so that replication is possible.

Conceptually Systematic

All procedures are derived from basic principles and are linked in a systematic manner.

Behavior analysis is not a “bag of tricks” but a set of procedures linked and tied to basic principles.

Effective

The overall benefit to participants sets the standard for effectiveness.

Treatments that lack social or practical value are not considered effective.

Generality

Results in behavior changes that will, over time, appear in other environments or spread to other behaviors.

Please take a look at the chart of seven dimensions of ABA, along with examples and non-examples.

Self-Check Activity


Match each dimension of ABA to the appropriate example.
 
  • A. Behavioral
  • B. Analytic
  • C. Applied
  • D. Conceptual
  • E. Effective
  • F. Generality
  • G. Technological

 

Solution
Behavioral
Cover your mouth when you cough.
Analytical
Each time I ignore Tim's talking out, it reduces the number of times he talks out.
Applied
Using an appropriate greeting.
Conceptual
Finish your chores; then you can play video games.
Effective
Johnny stopped using the f word after we taught him different responses.
Generality
Sally greets people appropriately in school, home and church.
Technological
Following a recipe.
Reference:

Baer, D.M., Wolf, M.M., Risley, T.R. Some Current Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis (1968). Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. 168, 1, 91-97.


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