What is Behaviour Analysis?
Behaviour analysis is the science and study of behaviour. Since the early 20th Century researchers in this field of have identified through numerous studies behavioural laws. These laws explain how humans and animals learn behaviour in the environment and how this behaviour changes over time. This avenue of research allows us to predict how events which often preceed or follow given behaviours in our environment might influence the behaviours aquistition.
This avenue of research has resulted in further scientific enquiry into how these principles might be applied to analyse behaviour, and therefore improve lives through learning. This branch of behaviour analysis is called applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA has resulted in the adoption of techques often involving the manipulation of antecedences or implementation of special consequences, often positive reinforcement, that lead to the acquisition of socially significant and adaptive behaviours. These behaviours allow the individual to have a more positive and fulfilling interaction with the environment around them.
The application of these techniques from the area of ABA reseach is call applied behavioural analytical praxis. Good quality behaviour analytical praxis will adhere to the 7 dimensions of ABA. The seven dimensions of ABA were originally first outlined by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) to serve as a guide for behaviour analysts who are providing services. If you are an individual, parent, carer, educator or commissioning authority it is good to learn about and understand these dimensions as it will give you an informative insight into how behaviour analysts work and what to expect from their services.
Who are behaviour analysts?
Behavior analysts are professionals who specialise in the field of behavior analysis. They use scientific principles of learning to address a variety of issues, such as improving individual or group performance, enhancing relationships, development of learning skills and intervention for various behavioral disorders.
Behaviour analysts may work in various settings, including schools, clinics, hospitals, businesses, prisons/forensic institutions and community organisations. They can address a wide range of behavioural concerns.
Behaviour analysts are often equated to simply experts in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), whilst behaviour analyst do most frequently work in the area of Autism treatment they can be found in a wide range of treatment areas and industries. They are essentially specialists in behaviour and can have professional knowledge in specific treatment domains. Behaviour analysis can help in the performance related behaviours in business, in the treatment of depression, in the improvement of group behaviours in the classroom, in the intervention and treatment of criminal behaviour, and they can also be found in area of sexual health interventions. This list is by no means exhaustive.
To become a behaviour analyst, practitioners often pursue advanced degrees (such as a master’s or doctoral degree) in behaviour analysis, psychology, or a related field. Additionally, many behavior analysts seek certification from organisations such as the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to demonstrate their competence and adherence to ethical standards in the field.
Depending on the region and country you live there may even exist laws which restrict who may call themselves a behaviour analyst. Since 1st January 2023 the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), based in the United States, changed it international focus and is no longer certifying professionals living outside United States (US), Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom (UK).
What does this mean for residents in Switzerland? Currently there are no national minimum voluntary standards to practise. In addition, the title is not protected by law. The services of behaviour analysts are generally not covered by health or social insurance with some rare exceptions of some early interventions covered by a national from the Federal Office for Health. Read more.
Persons looking for services within Switzerland are advised to look closely at the professional experience of the service providers before commissioning services. Freeagents advises the following minimal standards:
• Minimum of a master’s degree in psychology, special education (Heilpädagogik), education, or medicine.
• Additional formal qualifications in Behaviour Analysis.
• Minimum of 5-years of practical experience under the supervision of a qualified professional.
• Membership of professional bodies with ethic guidelines and governance.
