Culture and Values: Behavior Analytic Definition and Relationship with ABA Intervention

Unit 8 Discussion Board
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Behavior Analytic Definition of "Culture" and "Values"
In behavior analysis, "culture" refers to the shared practices, beliefs, customs, and behaviors that characterize a particular group or society. It encompasses the learned patterns of behavior and verbal and non-verbal interactions transmitted across generations and shapes individuals' interactions with their environment (Paliliunas, 2021). "Values" in behavior analysis pertain to the enduring preferences and desired outcomes that guide individuals' choices and behavior (Krieg, 2020). Values are often established through the reinforcement history of an individual and influence their decision-making processes.
Factors Contributing to the Relationship between Values and Culture
Culture plays a significant role in shaping an individual's values by instilling norms, expectations, and social reinforcement for certain behaviors. The cultural context can influence the reinforcement contingencies that shape an individual's value system (Paliliunas, 2021). Additionally, values are often transmitted through verbal behavior, where individuals communicate and learn about desired outcomes and societal norms from others; that is, culture provides the context within which values are established and reinforced.
Philosophical and Scientific Foundations of ABA and a Values-Based Culture
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is founded on the principles of behaviorism, emphasizing observable and measurable behavior and its relationship with the environment. ABA values the systematic analysis of behavior, functional assessment, and evidence-based practices (Dixon et al., 2020). These foundations contribute to a values-based culture in ABA by promoting transparency, accountability, and objective decision-making. The focus on empiricism ensures that interventions align with...