If you’re new to the concept of behaviour analysis then this post should get you up to speed with some of the key ideas.
The main thing that separates behaviour analysis from other types of psychology is this: instead of believing that our behaviour is caused by some kind of underlying trait that lives inside of us, behaviour analysis takes the viewpoint that the majority of our behaviour is actually learned and determined through interactions with our environment.
- We aim to understand, explain, describe and predict behaviour
- We have developed a set of “principles of behaviour” based upon years of scientific research. One example of these principles is reinforcement. These principles help us to recognize predictable patterns in behaviour.
- Our goal is to use our research to help to make a really significant and positive impact on people’s lives
Behaviour analysis can be applied to so many different things! Business, classroom management, self-help, interventions for people with autism, recycling…… The list is endless!
In the image below you can see at a glance what behaviour analysis is and what it is not
I hope that I’ve managed to get you a bit more familiar with behaviour analysis.