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PS558 Discussion

Post ID: 3505119

PS558 Discussion

Culture in Applied Behavior Analysis

Staddon (2021) states "every successful society relies on values that may well be essential to its success." In this week's readings, you explored this behavior analytic interpretation of culture and values and their relationship with ABA intervention. Be sure you have watched the video The Professional Infrastructure of Applied Behavior Analysis (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020).

Please respond to the following:

  • First, provide a behavior analytic definition of "culture" and values".
  • Then, using your readings for support, discuss some factors that contribute to the relationship between values and culture.
  • Next, review the philosophical and scientific foundations of applied behavior analysis that you have considered through the course to date. Based on your review, discuss whether and how these foundations contribute to a values-based culture of applied behavior analysis.
  • Please go on to discuss how one of the therapeutic approaches you read about this week (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassionate Care, or Trauma Informed Practice) supports a values-based culture in ABA.
  • Finally, after viewing the video, describe the ways that professional organizations and other institutions function to promote the values and culture of applied behavior analysis.

Review two of your classmates' responses, using the following ideas as a guide and asking follow-up questions that promote further analysis and development:

  • Does the definition of values develop in observable and measurable terms, as per the requirements of applied behavior analysis?
  • Provide feedback on the argument that supports a values-based culture of applied behavior analysis.
  • Evaluate whether the current mechanisms (such as university programs and professional organizations) adequately support a values-based culture of applied behavior analysis. Reply to David Perez: B.F. Skinner essentially believed, and subscribed to the principle, that what "should be" derives from what "is" (Staddon, 2021). It is both ironic, and fitting, that Staddon writes this in a published work titled The New Behaviorism, because it is this exact difference in perspective that has changed our lens on the definition of values and culture. From a behavior analytic perspective, culture is understood through various antecedents of behavior. Culture is much of the environment our behavior resides, and is not a mental fiction (Staddon, 2021).Buzz words such as "attitudes" and "expectations," are made up by the environment. They represent the behavioral repitoires each environment builds (Staddon, 2021). Ultimate cultural impact comes through shared, learned behavior, which are naturally reinforced and stimulated by the environmental system it lives in.In regards to where values are derived from, Skinner harkens back to two original principles; "good" and "why it is good" (Staddon, 2021). From a behavior analytic perspective, good and bad is defined through positive and negative reinforcers. But negative reinforcement does not equate to detrimental outcomes, and positive reinforcement does not equate to optimal outcomes. Therefore, in my opinion, from a behavior-analytic perspective, value can not be defined by outcomes. This points stands in start contrast to Skinner's view, which saw evolutionary survival as the source of value.He simply believed values are reinforcers, chosen constructs which are innately consequential and relied upon (Staddon, 2021). Values, in theory, point to the why in an example. The rule is eat an apple per day, for example, while the value is living a healthy lifestyle. I agree with Staddon, however, when he writes that science can not provide us with ultimate values and dictate what is good and bad (Staddon, 2021). Hedonism and morality are not synonymous. As a result, it is our job as behavior analysts, to be very clear as to why we feel changing a specific behavior is for the common good. Since there is no inherent ethics in reinforcement, we should constantly debate if the behavior we are influencing is socially optimal.The foundations of ABA point to these ideas, because they define many of the terms by which our practice is guided. Social significance, for example, is relative. Therefore, if culture and values are not inherent to science, social significance can not be truly measured. We can, however, measure cultural environments through the analytic branch of ABA. By measuring cultural norms in various societies, like greeting behaviors for example, we can effectively tailor intervention. All Staddon is saying, and I am saying, it values are not intrinsic. Because of this, we must measure the behaviors that make up values and cultural systems. Once we measure them, we can reinforce socially acceptable and significant behavior. Reinforcement systems effect that behavior; not define their existence. Trauma-informed practice is the therapeutic approach I would like to discuss. Rajaraman states that if trauma is not taken into significant consideration while building behavior intervention plans, procedural integrity and effectiveness are harmed (Rajaraman, 2021). This supports value-based ABA culture, because it emphasizes individualized reinforcement. Harris defined trauma-informed practice as the design of "service systems" with accommodations for prior history of abuse, or vulnerabilities. This places an increased focus on consumer participation, and tailors around past troubles to increase involvement (Harris, 2021). Trauma informed practice calls for a more comprehensive effort in intervention, but ultimately, that effort produces more effective results.Finally, The Professional Infrastructure of Applied Behavior Analysis video described why mature professions are designed to integrate larger training barriers and education (BACB, 2020). These certifications for practice support our profession, by raising competence levels of practitioners. Universities and certification programs support the values of ABA, by teaching its foundations and raising the population of its practitioners. Practitioners which ultimately grow theory and application in the field. The culture of ABA is found in its infrastructure, the BACB, which sets the shared expectations and attitudes of the field (BACB, 2020). ReferencesStaddon, J. E. R. (2021). The new behaviorism: Foundations of behavioral science (3rd ed.). Routledge.Rajaraman, A., Austin, J.L., Gover, H.C., Cammilleri, A.P., Donnelly, D.R. and Hanley, G.P. (2022), Toward trauma-informed applications of behavior analysis. Jnl of Applied Behav Analysis, 55: 40-61. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.881Harris, M., & Fallot, R. D. (2001). Envisioning a trauma-informed service system: A vital paradigm shift. New Directions for Mental Health Services, 2001(89), 3-22. https://doi.org/10.1002/yd.23320018903Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2020, December 21). The professional infrastructure of applied behavior analysis [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHi3rfnXfPg Reply to Camille Eaves: A behavior-analytic definition of culture refers to the shared contingencies of reinforcement that shape and maintain the behavior of a group over time (Staddon, 2021). Culture, in this sense, is not abstract it is observable in patterns of behavior that are selected and sustained because they “work” within a given environment. Values can be explained as verbal statements or rules that describe patterns of behavior and the outcomes a group seeks to promote. From a behavior analytic perspective, values function as motivating operations or rule-governed influences that guide behavior toward socially significant outcomes.Several factors contribute to the relationship between values and culture. Staddon (2021) emphasizes that successful societies depend on stable contingencies that reinforce behaviors aligned with survival and social cohesion. Values emerge as generalized rules that reflect these contingencies. Araiba (2024) further explains this idea within ABA by highlighting the “conceptually systematic” dimension, stating that consistency in principles across interventions strengthens both scientific integrity and cultural coherence within the field.The philosophical and scientific foundations of ABA particularly radical behaviorism and the commitment to empirical validation contribute to a values-based culture. Core dimensions such as applied, effective, and conceptually systematic prioritize socially meaningful change and accountability. These dimensions promote values like data-based decision-making, ethical responsibility, and client-centered outcomes.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an example of a therapeutic approach that supports a values-based culture in ABA. ACT focuses on helping individuals identify personal values and engage in behaviors aligned with those values, even in the presence of discomfort. This aligns with ABA’s emphasis on observable behavior while expanding the role of private events and rule-governed behavior. ACT integrates well with ABA by maintaining a functional approach while prioritizing meaningful, values-driven change.After viewing The Professional Infrastructure of Applied Behavior Analysis (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020). Professional organizations and institutions play a critical role in promoting the values and culture of ABA. They also set standards for ethics, manage certification and continuing education, and advocate for evidence-based practices. In practice, they ensure accountability, that ABA is science based, and that ABA is congruent with core values of the profession like the dignity of the client, the social significance of behavior change, and cultural responsiveness by working to uphold standards and establish a community amongst practitioners. References:Araiba S. (2024). The Evolution of the Conceptually Systematic Dimension and Its Current Functions in Applied Behavior Analysis. Perspectives on behavior science, 47(1), 1–27.Staddon, J. (2021). The new behaviorism: Foundations of behavioral science. (3rd ed.). Routledge.