Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Applied behavior analysis primarily uses what approach?

1. Humanistic therapy

2. Behaviorism to change or understand specific behaviors

3. Psychoanalysis for deep personal understanding

4. Cognitive restructuring techniques

The correct answer is: Behaviorism to change or understand specific behaviors

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is fundamentally grounded in behaviorism, which emphasizes the study of observable and measurable behaviors, rather than internal mental states or processes. ABA employs principles of reinforcement and punishment to modify behavior, making it highly effective in achieving specific behavioral changes. This approach involves systematic and empirical methods to evaluate the functions of behavior and to implement interventions based on the assessment of those behaviors. The focus is on understanding behavior in terms of its relationship with the environment, and on applying techniques derived from this understanding to promote positive behavior change, often in individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges. The strength of ABA lies in its data-driven methods, allowing practitioners to assess progress and make informed decisions regarding interventions. While the other approaches mentioned—humanistic therapy, psychoanalysis, and cognitive restructuring—each offer valuable insights and techniques for understanding and addressing psychological issues, they do not specifically revolve around the behavioral methodologies that characterize ABA. Instead, they focus on different aspects of human experience, such as personal growth, unconscious processes, or cognitive distortions, which are not the primary focus of applied behavior analysis.