Compare the Three Branches of Behavior Analysis

Compare the Three Branches of Behavior Analysis. Explain how the historical perspectives of behaviorism have influenced the study of Applied Behavior Analysis as a natural science. 2. Explain the Six attitudes/assumptions of Experimental Analysis of Behavior and the Seven Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis and examine how they contribute to the development of a technology that is used to influence socially significant behavior. 3. Using Behavior Analytic Vocabulary, explain the various characteristics of Respondent Conditioning, identifying specific relationships between stimuli and responses and discussing how the elements of time and environment contribute to an organism’s respondent behavior. Next, explain the process used to reverse an established reflexive stimulus-response relationship. Finally, analyze the scenario and discuss each of the elements of Respondent conditioning that you identify. 4. Using Behavior Analytic Vocabulary, explain how Operant Conditioning differs from Respondent Conditioning. Discuss how a three-term contingency affects an organism’s behavior, and explain how different schedules of reinforcement can influence a behavior. Finally, choose an example of a behavior and show how each of the five possible differential reinforcement contingencies would affect that behavior of an organism

The Correct Answer and Explanation is :

The vast field of behavior analysis can be broadly divided into three main branches: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB), and Behavioral Neuroscience. Each branch serves its unique purpose but collectively contributes to the understanding and application of behavioral science.

1. Historical Perspectives and Influence on ABA:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Focuses on applying behavioral principles to solve real-world problems and enhance human well-being. It emerged from the need to make behaviorism practical and applicable.
• Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB): This is the experimental branch of behavior analysis, primarily concerned with researching basic processes and principles. B.F. Skinner was pivotal in developing this branch, emphasizing a systematic approach to behavior study under controlled experimental conditions.
• Behavioral Neuroscience: Examines the biological bases of behavior, linking behavior to its neural substrates. This branch adds a physiological dimension to behavior analysis.

Historically, behaviorism began with John B. Watson, emphasizing observable behavior over internal phenomena. B.F. Skinner later expanded on these ideas, insisting that behavior is a function of environmental histories of reinforcement. These historical perspectives shaped ABA’s focus on observable behavior and measurable changes, emphasizing environmental interactions.

2. Six Attitudes of EAB and Seven Dimensions of ABA:

• EAB’s Attitudes/Assumptions include:
  • Determinism
  • Empiricism
  • Experimentation
  • Replication
  • Parsimony
  • Philosophic doubt
• ABA’s Seven Dimensions (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968):
  • Generality
  • Effective
  • Technological
  • Applied
  • Conceptually Systematic
  • Analytic
  • Behavioral

These principles ensure that behavior analysis remains systematic and scientific. EAB’s attitudes support rigorous testing and skepticism, fostering robust methodologies. ABA’s dimensions ensure the practicality and ethical application of these methodologies to improve socially significant behaviors, essentially forming a technology for behavior change.

3. Respondent Conditioning:

• Characteristics: Involves learned reflexes. The classic example is Pavlov’s dogs, where a neutral stimulus (bell) paired with an unconditioned stimulus (food) eventually leads to a conditioned response (salivation at the bell alone).
• Process to Reverse Reflexive Relationships: Extinction in respondent conditioning occurs when the conditioned stimulus (CS) is presented without the unconditioned stimulus (US) repeatedly, leading to a decrease in the conditioned response (CR).
• Elements: Time and environment are critical. The CS must precede the US closely in time for effective conditioning. The environmental context can enhance or inhibit the conditioning process.

3. Operant vs. Respondent Conditioning:

• Operant Conditioning: Involves behaviors that are influenced by their consequences. It’s governed by a three-term contingency: antecedent, behavior, and consequence.
• Three-Term Contingency: This model describes how behavior is modified by what precedes it and what follows it, fundamentally different from respondent conditioning, which focuses on reflexive, elicited behaviors.
• Schedules of Reinforcement and Differential Reinforcement: Various schedules (fixed, variable, interval, ratio) and differential reinforcement strategies (e.g., DRA, DRO) impact the strength and frequency of behavior. Each type of reinforcement schedule and differential reinforcement addresses different aspects of behavior modification.

Example: Consider a child learning to clean up toys:

• Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA): Reinforcing a behavior that serves as a desirable alternative to the target behavior (e.g., rewarding the child for picking up toys instead of leaving them scattered).
• Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO): Reinforcement is delivered if the unwanted behavior has not occurred for a specific period.
• Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI): Reinforcing a behavior incompatible with the unwanted behavior (e.g., playing with toys in the designated area only).
• Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL): Reinforcement follows lower rates of behavior within a particular time frame.
• Differential Reinforcement of High Rates (DRH): Reinforcement follows higher rates of a behavior within a time frame.

These strategies illustrate how different reinforcement contingencies shape behavior, emphasizing the operant conditioning’s flexibility and adaptability compared to respondent conditioning.