Experimental Analysis of Behavior

In Unit 1, you learned about one of the fundamental principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), i.e., positive reinforcement. You have explored how positive reinforcement can be used to increase or maintain behavior, as well as how the timing of reinforcement impacts a reinforcer’s effect on a behavior. You also learned about the difference between behaviorism, applied behavior analysis, and the experimental analysis of behavior, as well as some of the myths surrounding our science.
Watch the Unit 1 Lecture. (click here for transcripts)
Read the following scenario
You are an applied behavior analysis (ABA) undergraduate major at Purdue University Global. Your professors have been stressing the importance of beginning the supervised fieldwork experience required to sit for your Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) certification exam. You finally found a company within driving distance of your home and you have an interview for an entry-level behavior technician position.
You know that the interview will cover a lot of questions about the basic principles of ABA and you have been studying – actually memorizing – as much as you can! Yikes! This is way more intense than you imagined! But, you know that you have worked hard in the degree program and you can do this!
Okay, the scene is set! You have brainstormed the possible interview questions. Now, it is time to prepare for your mock interview! Consider the following questions and create a script of your interview in which the Interviewer asks you to answer the questions and provide explanations of the concepts for this week’s primary post.
What will the potential supervisor ask?
You can bet he/she will ask me about the three types of behavior analysis! I better be ready with some good answers! Briefly describe behaviorism; applied behavior analysis; and the experimental analysis of behavior.
Positive reinforcement is a major principle of ABA. What could he/she ask about this principle? Oh, yes! Explain positive reinforcement, i.e., what it is and how it works to modify behavior. Does the timing of reinforcement impact the effectiveness? What is the “Delay Gradient?”
What is the difference between unconditioned and conditioned reinforcement?
Be ready to explain “behavior contingencies!” Let me see… maybe I can explain this concept using an example! Provide an example of a behavior contingency using positive reinforcement.
We talked about the myths surrounding ABA in class. Explain the difference between “bribery” and “reinforcement.”