Applied Behaviour Analysis Essay

Decent Essays
3. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
Paul Alberto and Anne Troutman have explained ABA, a popular behaviour theory that was based on the original work of B.F. Skinner (L, P.29). ABA predominantly utilise procedure that focuses on modifying observable behaviour (L, p.23). The main principle of ABA is to identify the behaviours to be changed and measuring it through careful observation (W, p.229). According to B.F.Skinner, children are easily involved in the learning, engaging in the behaviours that result in certain consequences, popularly called reinforcers, and their behaviours are reinforced currently or in the past (M, p.546). Teachers make children understand the effect of reinforcement and punishment, which is taking away something that is pleasant or giving them something unpleasant (W, p.229). This leads to children’s actions, aimed to bring good behaviours, as an
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Supporters of ABA have given credit to it for being the only valid scientific method for Autistic treatment, while critics have condemned it to be abusive (8, p.108). Practitioners utilised a behaviourist approach in treating mental disorders at the University of London’s Institute of Psychiatry and Maudsley Hospital (Marks cited in 8, p.10). Paul Fuller, a researcher from the University of Indiana, has made use of positive reinforcement on adults with severe difficulties in learning (8, p.110). Teachers need effective training and skills in utilising punishment (L, p.30). On the other hand, they should be aware of the potential dangers of overuse or misuse of praise (W, p.230), as praise is not always given effectively and appropriately. Through the ABA strategies, teachers could achieve changes in short term behaviour problems, although sustained behavioural changes without regular use is not evident (L,

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