Applied Behavior Analysis

Abstract Applied behavior analysis ( ABA ) is the clinical or applied branch of the field of behavior analysis. Its focus is the prediction and control of socially important behavior using technologically precise procedures that conform to the basic processes and principles of the experimental analysis of behavior. The goal is to produce effective and generalizable changes in behavior. Behavior analysts define behavior broadly to include anything an individual does while interacting with the environment, including observable behavior (e.g., running and playing tennis) and private events (e.g., thinking and imagining). ABA focuses on objective measurement and analysis of the environmental variables of which problem and appropriate behaviors are functions (i.e., functional analysis). Applied behavior analysts use this functional approach to develop effective treatments for a wide variety of socially important behaviors (e.g., autism and feeding problems).