In this engaging episode of ABA On Call, Manny Rodriguez, DBA, BCBA delves into the rich field of Organizational Behavior Management, offering valuable insights on enhancing workplace performance, employee training, and the influence of leadership through behavior analysis. This conversation not only illuminates OBM strategies but also provides practical applications for behavior analysts looking to extend their practice into organizational settings.     To earn CEUs for listening,...

The Season 6 Premier of ABA On Call, led by Rick Kubina, Ph.D. BCBA-D and Doug Kostowicz, Ph.D. BCBA-D explores Skinner's major contributions to behavior analysis measurement, focusing on rate of response and the cumulative response recorder. It emphasizes the role of these concepts in understanding and applying behavior analysis effectively, highlighting the significance of standardized measurements and visual displays for meaningful behavioral data interpretation.    To earn CEUs for...

This episode explores critical thinking and the evaluation of scientific claims, with a focus on the book "Nonsense on Stilts." The discussion delves into the demarcation between hard and soft sciences, the credibility of experts, and the application of these concepts to behavior analysis. To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification to generate your certificate! Don’t forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and...

Join Dr. Tim Fuller in this enlightening episode of "ABA On Call" as we break down the fundamentals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its practical applications in behavior analysis. To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification to generate your certificate! Don’t forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review.   Show Notes References 1. Harris, R. (2019). ACT made simple: An easy-to-read...

 In this episode of ABA on Call, Dr. Rick Kubina and Dr. Doug Kostewicz dive deeper into the topic of stimulus control. They discuss the theoretical foundations, practical implications, and historical context of stimulus control in behavior analysis. Through engaging discussions and examples, listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal concept in the field of behavior analysis.  To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the...

This podcast episode explores the potential of games to support neurodiverse populations. We define games and discuss their essential attributes. Examples are provided of how games have been successfully incorporated into ABA therapy for autistic individuals to build skills and engagement. We discuss the future possibilities for the nexus of games, and AI to create adaptable, empowering experiences uniquely suited to different neurotypes. Researchers see promise in using data-driven,...

In the present podcast, we dive deep into the intriguing interplay between artificial intelligence and applied behavior analysis (ABA). In today's conversation, we're joined by a leading technologist Dave Stevens. We explore how A.I. might reshape the landscape of behavioral interventions. From tailored ABA programs powered by predictive algorithms to data-driven insights enhancing treatment plans, A.I. could amplify the precision and effectiveness of behavior analysis. We also discuss...

In this episode, we look at the transformative power of behavior analysis positioned as a selection science, in tackling prevalent educational issues. Drawing upon the profound insights from the article, "Breaking the Structuralist Barrier", we discuss the principles of selectionism and explore how the principles have been actualized in the Morningside Model of Generative Instruction, a behavioral program with remarkable results on adult literacy and children's learning and attention issues....

Cognitive psychology and the Cognitive Load Theory are explained through a behavior-analytic perspective. Cognitive Load Theory posits that working memory has a limited capacity, much like a bucket that can only hold so much water before it overflows. But how does the theory fare when we delve into it through the lens of behavior analysis? In the conversation, we discuss the behavior-analytic interpretations of cognitive load, offering insights into how our environment and learning...

"The Steep and Thorny Way to a Science of Behavior" by B.F. Skinner presents a fascinating exploration of the challenges and importance of developing a science of behavior. Skinner discusses several challenges in developing a science of behavior such as digression (defined as the tendency to get sidetracked from the study of behavior by other fields such as philosophy or theology). Additionally, Skinner raises questions about the nature and location of the observer or "knower" in relation to...

The podcast features two professors from the University of Pittsburgh who are using their unique experiences to help people who are blind and have visual impairments. The guests share stories about their journey with disability and discuss how they use their skills and knowledge to assist those with visual impairments of blindness achieve independence. We discuss challenges faced by those living with blindness and low vision and how ABA can help (and how those with an ABA background can...

Respondent conditioning, also known as classical conditioning, is a type of learning where an unconditioned response becomes associated with a neutral stimulus and acquires the ability to elicit a response like that of the unconditioned response. Today, respondent conditioning is used in various fields, including psychology, education, and marketing. In psychology, it is used to treat anxiety disorders, phobias, and other emotional disturbances. In education, respondent conditioning is used...

  Science could be described as the search to understanding variability. Variability shows up in graphs and charts shows the analyst different features of the behavior. From stability to variability, understanding the sources of control and the degree to which a behavior varies is a key to understanding environment-behavior relations. The standard celeration chart permits an analyst to quantify variability as well as see it in a different light when compared to a visual display on a linear...

One of the hallmarks of visual analysis is trend. Trend refers to the direction of data as it changes across time. A trend line is often superimposed on a data set which behavior analysts then interpret. However, if the data are placed on a standard celeration chart a trend line is transformed to a celebration line. The celeration line quantified how fast a behavior is changing. The quantified line allows an objective evaluation of not only the direction but the precise numeric growth or...

Most behavior analysts use a linear graph, meaning it has equal intervals on the horizontal and vertical axis. Ratio graphs have equal intervals on the horizontal axis but a multiple/divide axis on the vertical axis. The ratio graph permits the quantification of all behavior change features. For example, level can be quantified with different means (e.g., arithmetic, geometric) or medians. When placed on a ratio graph the metrics then can be examined with a view to ratios and multiple/divide...

Sports refers to activities involving exerting oneself physically in a an individual or team format to compete against oneself or others. As such sports covers many activities found in all cultures. The science of behavior has much to offer sports. ABA can enhance individual or team performance, teach game rules, open access to entry level layers, and enhance the overall enjoyment of sports. The following podcast discusses sports and interviews Kirk Kirby of TeamABA - the largest company...

The job market for behavior analysts in special and general education has increased greatly in the past 20 years. Behavior analysts can have a caseload, they can consult in general and special education classrooms, and can even work in administration. Behavior analysts can contribute to the IEP process in several constructive ways. Additionally, contributing to or creating a schoolwide discipline program falls in the domain of the application of a science of behavior. In this episode, we also...

In 1993 Alfie's Kohn's Punished by Rewards (PBR) was published. The book claimed that behavioral principles and procedures manipulated people and destroyed the potential for authentic learning. The publication of PBR was met with enthusiasm by many in the educational and psychological fields. However, PBR contains many misrepresentations of positive reinforcement and punishment. Furthermore, the solutions offered in PBR are poorly aligned with robust procedures designed to change behavior...

Conspiracy theories are verbal behavior that states some covert yet influential organization holds responsibility for a specific circumstance or event (e.g., the government collapsed the Twin Towers in the 9/11 attacks). Conspiracy theories have become mainstream, finding prominent adherents from politicians and news pundits to celebrities and bloggers. The conspiracy theory itself is not directly dangerous, but the advice or rule-governed behavior that proceeds can have pernicious effects....

Clay Starlin has been a champion of effective measurement and instructional technologies. He did pioneering work in the 70s and 80s bringing precision teaching to the forefront of education. He has spent his career contributing and refining concepts and methods involved with the science of learning. Clay has recently published a book called “weaving love and science in education” that captures blending of two important comments of human society: love and science. While the two might seem...

The measurement, visual display, analysis, and reliability of data are all hallmarks in a process behavior analysts use to understand the import of data. Yet research has demonstrated stark differences between options for the measurement/analysis process. First, discontinuous observation and continuous observation can lead to different datasets. All instances of discontinuous observation will have measurement error, and the limitations are discussed. The observed data visually displayed on...

Skinner's prolific writing focused on important theoretical and philosophical content later in his career. In his article "What's wrong with life in the Western world?" Skinner describes five practices that have corrupted contingencies of reinforcement that came about through evolution. The pleasing effects are seen in practices such as "(a) alienating workers from the consequences of their work, (b) helping those who are capable of helping themselves, (c) guiding behavior with rules rather...

As behavior analysts most of our discourse surrounds helping others through the lens of applied behavior analysis. But what happens when we turn the light on ourselves and look at how we unwind and enjoy hobbies? In the present episode we are joined by Dr. Justin Page who hosts The Reinforcer Podcast where he talks about hobbies and other reinforcers we adults may enjoy. NOTE - While this episode will not be eligible for CEUs, you can still learn informative information about reinforcers for...

A popular introductory psychology textbooks defines psychology as “the systematic study of behavior and experience. The word experience lets us discuss your perceptions without implying that a mind exists independently of your body.” Psychology came before behavior analysis but both seek to understand human behavior but through different lens of causality. Behavior analysis is part of psychology and can be used to interpret psychological phenomena throughout the domain. Understanding the...