applied behavior analysis
noun
variants
or Applied Behavior Analysis
also applied behavioral analysis
or applied behavioral analysis
: psychological therapy that uses techniques (such as operant conditioning) developed from the objective analysis of observable behavior to make changes to socially significant behaviors that are abnormal or harmful
Called applied behavior analysis, it uses rewards—goldfish crackers, playing with toys, praise—to teach children all kinds of behaviors, lessons and life skills, step by tiny step, in intensive, one-on-one drills.—
Rosie Mestel, The Los Angeles Times
Rosie Mestel, The Los Angeles TimesThe vast majority of programs for autistic youth in the U.S. use an approach called Applied Behavior Analysis, in which teachers and therapists use well-established techniques of reward and punishment to shape a student's actions toward goals like toilet training, learning vocabulary or completing a puzzle.—Melissa Fay Greene, The New York Times
—abbreviation ABA
Melissa Fay Greene, The New York TimesDictionary Entries Near applied behavior analysis
Cite this Entry
“Applied behavior analysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/applied%20behavior%20analysis. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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