Behavior Analysis Defined
Behavior analysis is a science based upon the foundations and principles of behaviorism. Division 25 of the American Psychological Division is devoted to the area of behavior analysis.
According to Division 25, the fact that behavior analysis focuses on behavior as a subject makes it unique. The division also explains that this analysis of behavior can occur in three different ways.
- First, through the experimental investigation of behavior.
- Secondly, through applied behavior analysis. This process involves taking what researchers know about behavior and applying it in individual, social and cultural contexts.
- Finally, through the conceptual analysis of behavior. According to Division 25, this address the philosophical, historical, theoretical and methodological issues in behavior analysis.
History of Behavior Analysis
Behaviorism was largely established through the influential work of three theorists:
Pavlov discovered the conditioning reflex during his studies with dogs, establishing classical conditioning as a learning method. His research demonstrated that an environmental stimulus (i.e. ringing bell) could be used to stimulate a conditioned response (i.e. salivating at the sound of the ringing bell).
John B. Watson extended Pavlov's theory to apply to human behavior, publishing his landmark article Psychology as the Behaviorist View It in 1913 and establishing behaviorism as a major school of thought.
B.F. Skinner later introduced the concept of operant conditioning in which reinforcement leads to a desired behavior. These concepts continue to play influential roles in behavior analysis, behavior modification and psychotherapy.
