Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an organization of behavioral principles originally articulated by B. F. Skinner. ABA provides a framework for the systematic and replicable application of behavioral principles to change socially significant behavior to a meaningful degree in applied or natural settings. In education, these principles are used in individual classrooms, school buildings, community-instruction settings, and homes. The focus of ABA is on operant behaviors, those behaviors over which an individual has voluntary control. The principles of ABA are used to increase academic behaviors, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and appropriate social behavior and to reduce challenging, inappropriate behaviors. Successful application is achieved when data-based analysis documents that a strategy has resulted in an outcome that increases students' competence and control in their ...