2. Applied Behavior Analysis
Definition:
“ABA is a scientific approach that focuses on
understanding and modifying behavior to bring about
positive change.”
Behavior analysis helps us to understand:
• How behavior works
• How behavior is affected by the environment
• How learning takes place
3. Applied Behaviour Analysis involves many techniques for
understanding and changing behaviour. ABA is a flexible
treatment:
Can be adapted to meet the needs of each unique
person.
Provided in many different locations – at home, at
school, and in the community.
Teaches skills that are useful in everyday life.
Can involve one-to-one teaching or group instruction.
4. The ABC Technique:
The ABC technique, also known as Antecedent-Behavior
Consequence, is a fundamental concept in Applied Behavior
Analysis (ABA).
Definition:
“It is used to analyze and understand the relationship
between environmental events and behavior.”
5. Understanding antecedents (what happens before a behavior
occurs) and consequences (what happens after the behavior) is
another important part of any ABA program.
The following three steps – the “A-B-Cs” – help us teach and
understand behavior:
A - Antecedents
B - Behavior
C – Consequences
6. Antecedents
• An antecedent: this is
what occurs right before
the target behavior. It can
be verbal, such as a
command or request. It
can also be physical, such
a toy or object, or light,
sound, or something else
in the environment.
• An antecedent may come
from the environment,
from another person, or be
internal (such as a thought
or feeling).
Behavior
• A behavior: this is the
person’s response or lack
of response to the
antecedent. It can be an
action, a verbal response,
or something else.
Consequences
• A consequence: this is
what comes directly
after the behavior. It
can include positive
reinforcement of the
desired behavior, or no
reaction for
incorrect/inappropriate
responses.
7. • Antecedent: The teacher says “It’s time to clean up your toys” at the
end of the day.
• Behavior: The student yells “no!”
• Consequence: The teacher removes the toys and says “Okay, toys are
all done.”
How could ABA help the student learn a more appropriate behavior in
this situation?
• Antecedent: The teacher says “time to clean up” at the end of the day.
• Behavior: The student is reminded to ask, “Can I have 5 more
minutes?”
• Consequence: The teacher says, “Of course you can have 5 more
minutes!”
Example:
8. ● Understanding behaviors: The ABC technique helps in
understanding the relationship between antecedents, behaviors, and
consequences, providing insights into behavior patterns.
● Behavior modification: By analyzing antecedents and consequences,
the ABC technique allows for targeted behavior modification and the
development of effective strategies.
● Self-awareness: The ABC technique promotes self-awareness by
helping individuals recognize triggers and patterns that influence their
behaviors.
Benefits of ABC behaviour Technique
9. Drawbacks of ABC Technique
• Simplified model: The ABC technique simplifies complex
behaviors into three components, potentially overlooking the full
complexity of certain behaviors or situations.
• Subjectivity: Interpretation of antecedents, behaviors, and
consequences can vary from person to person, leading to potential
biases or inaccuracies.
• Limited context: The ABC technique primarily focuses on
immediate environmental factors and may not consider broader
contextual factors or underlying causes.
10. In a classroom setting, the ABC technique and ABA principles were used to
address disruptive behavior in a student named Alex. Alex, was frequently
disruptive and had difficulty staying focused during lessons. The teacher
decided to use the ABC technique and ABA principles to address this
behavior. A - Antecedent: The teacher observed that Alex's disruptive
behavior often occurred when he was asked to complete independent work
tasks. B - Behavior: Alex's disruptive behavior included talking loudly,
getting out of his seat, and distracting his classmates. C - Consequence: The
consequence of Alex's behavior was that he received attention from his peers
and the teacher, which reinforced his disruptive actions.
Case study: Implementation of ABC in classroom
11. To address this behavior, the teacher implemented the following strategies:
1. Antecedent Modification: The teacher provided clear instructions and
visual cues to help Alex understand the task requirements. She also
assigned a designated workspace for Alex to minimize distractions.
2. Behavior Intervention: The teacher used positive reinforcement by
providing immediate praise and rewards when Alex exhibited
appropriate behavior, such as staying focused and completing tasks
without disruption. She also implemented a behavior chart to track
Alex's progress and celebrate his achievements.
3. Consequence Management: The teacher ensured that Alex received
consistent consequences for his disruptive behavior. This included
redirecting him back to the task, providing reminders of expectations,
and briefly removing him from preferred activities when necessary.
12. Over time, the consistent application of the ABC technique and ABA
principles resulted in positive outcomes for Alex:-
Improved Focus and Engagement: Alex began to show increased
focus and engagement during independent work tasks, completing them
more efficiently.
Decreased Disruptive Behavior: Alex's disruptive behavior
significantly decreased as he learned alternative ways to seek attention
and express his needs appropriately.
Positive Peer Interactions: With improved behavior, Alex was able to
build positive relationships with his classmates, leading to a more
inclusive and supportive classroom environment.
Notas del editor
Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is one of the main strategies used in ABA. When a behavior is followed by something that is valued (a reward), a person is more likely to repeat that behavior. Over time, this encourages positive behavior change.