Methods of Applied Behavior Analysis
One of the most difficult tasks we face is changing our behavior. Even more challenging is helping others improve their behavior. They might find themselves trapped in a vicious circle of unwelcome behavior patterns, regardless of how hard they try to change.
Are you trying to change bad habits? A technique called applied behaviour analysis is effective even for severe conditions like autism. You don’t have to be a psychologist, but you can help parents who are worried about their child. Hopefully these ABA data collection methods will be helpful to you.
What is ABA?
ABA, or applied behavior analysis, is a scientific technique that helps to change our behavior . This therapy employs psychological principles to track and change our behavior patterns. ABA can help with everything, from small bad habits such as biting nails and being late to more serious issues like managing autism. It is actually the only approved therapy to treat ASD symptoms.
What are Some Effective ABA Data Collection Methods?
Let’s begin by defining data collection.
Data collection is a crucial component of behavioral therapy. Data collection is the key to understanding and changing behavior patterns. We might want to reduce aggression or tantrums, or improve our social skills. The therapist will track all information about that behavior.
What methods should we use to collect ABA data?
Frequency
This measure measures how often we display a certain behavior in a given time frame. It can be used to determine how often a child bites at their pencil in class. We can also count how many times they are late during the day. We can then use this data to determine the severity of the situation.
We should only measure what we can count. Simple acts that occur slowly and don’t last for too long are the best behaviors to track. We need to know the beginning and end of each behavior. It will be more difficult to determine the frequency of a behavior if it does not have a distinct beginning and ending point.
Duration
This method is the best way to gather data on how long certain behaviors last. This method, unlike frequency, can be used to measure actions that are less quantifiable and without clear boundaries. It is also great for slow and fast actions.
Sometimes we can use this method to compare the duration of certain behaviors depending on certain variables. This method can be used to determine how long a child’s tantrum phase lasts. Is the child acting worse at night? Also, are their pre-bedtime tantrums more severe than those in the morning?
Latency
Parents and therapists can correct or encourage negative behavior with just words. This is the latency method. We measure the time it takes for a child follow an order or to comply with a request.
We can see an example of a child acting in inappropriate ways. You might see them screaming, biting their hair, hitting other children, or chewing on their hair. We want to stop them from doing this so we say something like “Stop doing it, please.” Next, we wait to see how long they react — did they change their behavior immediately?
ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence)
We’ve mentioned that applied behavior analysis data collection methods don’t always have to be quantitative. The ABC method, which is qualitative in nature, can be used to determine the behavior patterns of children. It refers to the cause-and-effect of actions we wish to discourage or promote.
We might think that an autistic child is more open to having certain people around. They might also be more comfortable with a favorite toy at their side. These little triggers are used later to encourage positive behavior. Negative behavior can be avoided if we find its cause.
Scatterplot Analysis
Like what we saw under duration, scatterplot analyses helps us to measure how often a child behaves at any given time. We see children biting their nails quite often. Is this something they do more at home or school?
We can break down the day into smaller pieces and monitor the child’s behavior during each one. We can then note the behavior of the child whenever they bite their nails or tick the box. We can then compare the ticks for the school time versus the home time. Is schooltime making the child nervouser?
Permanent Product Recording
The permanent product recording method allows us to determine the exact consequences of the behavior. Permanent products are material or figurative items that result from a child’s actions. We can count the number of toys a child has broken, or spilled on purpose, for example, when they misbehave.
This technique can also be used to count positive behaviors of children. Making children with autism feel productive can make a difference. We can track how many LEGO houses they have built and the math problems they solved. We can later try to determine what triggers their productivity.
Last Remarks
ABA data collection is a great way to assist children in overcoming their negative behavior or boosting their positive ones. The ABA technique collects data about the child’s behavior in order to identify a pattern. You can track the behavior patterns of your child using methods like frequency, duration, latency and scatterplot. You’ll be able help your child improve.
