ABA from A to Z: Behavior Science Applied to 350 Domains of Socially Significant Behavior

• Published in: Perspectives on behavior science Vol. 45; no. 2; pp. 327 - 359
• Main Authors: Heward, William L., Critchfield, Thomas S., Reed, Derek D., Detrich, Ronnie, Kimball, Jonathan W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.06.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Behavior; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Original Research; Psychology; Quality of life; Skepticism; Applied behavior analysis; Individual well-being; Social significance; Species survival
• ISSN: 2520-8969; 2520-8977; 2520-8977
• DOI: 10.1007/s40614-022-00336-z

Applied behavior analysis (ABA), the practical wing of behavior science, is defined by its focus on socially significant behavior and characterized by an assumed relevance to every domain of it. Although advocates claim ABA has world-changing potential, disagreements exist about how well the science has met its potential for far-ranging social significance. To advance this discussion, we present an extensive list of socially significant behavior domains to which ABA has given empirical attention. The list demonstrates the broad applicability of behavior analysis and suggests some themes future researchers could emphasize to help ABA achieve world-changing impact.