Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a method of changing behavior through consistent analysis of data. ABA targets behaviors that are observable, measurable and socially significant. A core component of ABA is objective data; behavior plans are directly related to the data collected on behaviors and modified based on the data. Subjectivity and internal states are not recognized as sufficient sources for behavior change procedures. Antecedents and consequences to behavior are always considered. What function the behavior serves is also a key element in ABA. Replacement behaviors are taught as part of behavior change procedures and incorporate the function the behavior serves as well as socially acceptable behaviors.
A functional behavior analysis is, essentially, the application of the scientific method in examining behavior. A functional behavior assessment is a precise description of a behavior, its context, and its consequences, with the intent of better understanding the behavior and those factors influencing it. A functional behavior analysis begins as an assessment, but includes the added step of systematically altering the antecedents to and consequences of the behavior to determine precisely which are the forces driving that behavior. The first step in a functional behavior analysis is to carefully observe and precisely describe the behavior that the client is exhibiting and the events and stimuli in the environment both before and after that behavior. Often, this careful description is referred to as identifying the ABCs of a particular behavior:
- Antecedent -- the stimulus or stimuli to which the client responds
- Behavior -- the behavior that we see exhibited by the client
- Consequence -- the stimulus or stimuli that the client receives (or that he/she is stopped being subjected to) as a result of his/her behavior
Following this, data is collected on the target behavior and a hypothesis regarding the function(s) of the behavior and the maintaining consequences is developed. Based on this hypothesis an intervention plan is developed and implemented. Data is again collected and the effectiveness of the plan to alter the behavior is evaluated resulting in modification of the intervention plan. The functional behavior analysis is an ongoing process and evolves and changes as the behaviors are modified.