Question
What are the principles of applied behavioral analysis (ABA)?
Answer
There are seven principles of ABA. The first principle is that it is applied, which means that it focuses on an area of social significance. It will actually benefit the individual in a significant social way. It is behavioral, in that the target for ABA is an actual behavior to change. It is analytic, which means the behavioral analyst can control the behavior that is being changed by changing the control behavior. It is technological, which means that all researchers should be able to replicate the application with the same results; we often refer to this in our profession as “reliability.” It is conceptually systematic; meaning that applications are utilized and analyzed based on the principles of ABA. It is effective, meaning that the application must actually change the behavior. And it can generalize to other environments and behaviors and be sustained over time.
Mary Beth is an Associate Professor at Edinboro University. Her teaching and research interests include adult neurogenic communication disorders, semantic feature knowledge in adults, gerontology, and professional issues. She serves as Associate Coordinator for ASHA SIG 15 Gerontology and PSHA Vice President for Convention Planning and Program.
