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. 2022 May 17;45(2):327-359.
doi: 10.1007/s40614-022-00336-z. eCollection 2022 Jun.

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

William L Heward  1 , Thomas S Critchfield  2 , Derek D Reed  3 , Ronnie Detrich  4 , Jonathan W Kimball  5
Affiliations

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

William L Heward et al. Perspect Behav Sci. .

Abstract

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.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40614-022-00336-z.

Keywords: Applied behavior analysis; Individual well-being; Social significance; Species survival.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of InterestThe authors declare no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A distribution of socially significant behaviors. Note. Based on Friman (2006)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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