User:Josh.Pritchard.DBA/behavior analysis

There is a branch of Psychology called Behavior Analysis which is very important in day-to-day living. Over the past 70 years many Behavior Analysts have focused on the question of why people do the things they do. They study what has been called the Science of Behavior. Science has been defined as a search for natural explanations for observable phenomena.

For example, when a mother complains about her 7-year-old's tantrums, the behavior analyst is likely to ask what takes place before and after the tantrum. Questions about her son's bad attitude, his anger, frustration and sadness are viewed as important by the lay public but the behavior analyst feels that these internal events will not help discover the cause of the behavior nor are they useful in stopping the tantrum. The Behavior Analyst believes it is these real events, conditions and signals before, and consequences after, that will lead to an understanding of any behavior and subsequently lead to solutions in reducing the undesirable behavior.

These psychologists have discovered principles or rules that explain people’s behavior in much the same way that the laws of gravity explain a wide range of physical phenomena. These principles have now begun to be a part of our language although many are not aware of where the terms come from – terms such as “positive reinforcement,” "shaping," and ”time out”.

The principles are in operation all of the time in all of human behavior. They have made inroads into the raising of children, particularly in determining the best method to correct a child’s behavior. For example, the principle of positive reinforcement has been advocated by behavior analysts while the use of punishment has been discouraged. A few decades ago parents and teachers frequently spanked children. In fact there were state laws that allowed a teacher to spank a child. Behavior analysts have known that to control behavior in this fashion is not effective and have passed this information on to the general public.

Other behavioral techniques for changing behavior are more effective. These scientific principles, shown to be useful in social skills, business, school discipline, learning and family relationships, are gradually becoming familiar to the public. As a person learns these behavioral principles life becomes easier and the person feels more comfortable and happy with their ability to deal with life's challenges.