What is Behavior Analysis?
Behavior analysis (experimental analysis of behavior) is a scientific discipline that deals with the research and application of the laws of behavior. The main goal of the scientific discipline is to gain an understanding of how to predict and influence the behavior of individuals and organisms. Research on behavior has shown that it is largely learned and maintained by our environment, not least the social environment. The subjects of behavior analysis are diverse, for example primary research on the behavior of individuals and other organisms, practical application in clinical work, teaching and business management. Behavioral analysis is not limited to specific behavior of individuals, social groups or solutions to certain problems, but the scientific discipline deals with all behavior in the broadest sense of the term, including language, thinking and feelings.
Applied behavior analysis also emphasizes the use of scientific methods to solve social problems of various kinds. The well-being of the individuals who benefit from the service is always put first, and the focus is on identifying solutions that are likely to be successful. In practical behavior analysis, behaviorists base their work on the results of primary research on behavior and practical research where it has been shown that a specific treatment or teaching method is effective (evidence-based practice/treatment).
The practical subjects of the branch are extremely diverse. For example:
- raising children and teenagers
- general education – children and adults
- persons with developmental disabilities – training, teaching and diagnosis of behavioral problems
- autism – teaching, treatment and diagnosis of behavioral problems
- special education – children and adults
- behavioral problems of children in homes, kindergartens and schools
- emotional difficulties
- gambling addiction
- obesity
- rehabilitation of persons with brain damage
- the elderly
- performance management in companies and organizations
- workplace safety issues
- road safety
- environmental protection
- sports training
- economics
Working in applied behavior analysis requires a lot of precision, training and experience from the behaviorist if the intervention is to be successful. Diagnosing behavior and intervening on the problem often requires a lot of work and preparation, and the process can take a good amount of time, just like medical or psychological therapy. Behaviorists observe their clients wherever possible and record information about their behavior, for example in a classroom or on school grounds. In many cases, clients themselves or their relatives record their behavior. In this way, behaviorists gather information about the interaction between environment and behavior. This information is then used in counseling, intervention and teaching. Behaviorists also train and teach their clients themselves, mentoring people who continue teaching after the behavior has been addressed. Registration is continued after the teaching or intervention begins, and in this way it is possible to assess whether success has been achieved or whether teaching or intervention methods need to be changed.
A few years ago, an international specialist certification in behavior analysis (Board Certified Behavior Analyst, BCBA) was established. This was done in order to make it easier for people who benefit from the services of behavior analysts to distinguish between those who have minimal education and experience in behavior analysis and those who do not have this education and experience. A specialized organization in the United States, The Behavior Analyst Certification Board®Inc administers this specialist certification. More information can be found elsewhere on the SATÍS website (see About BACB) and on the BACB website .
Behavior analysis is a growing discipline, which can be seen, among other things, in the fact that the number of members in the international association Association for Behavior Analysis is increasing year by year and the number of universities in the world that offer postgraduate studies in the field is constantly increasing. Since 1977, a total of 36 Icelanders have pursued postgraduate studies in behavior analysis abroad, of which 20 have joined the group in the past decade. The majority of those who have completed their studies now work in Iceland, but others live and work abroad in practical jobs, university teaching and/or research, as there is a high demand for people with education in the field.
