Correct Answer - Option 2 : Operant conditioning
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a widely used approach, and perhaps the only one that has the approval of research (Baer, Wolf and Risley, 1968). This method involves breakdown of all skills into small discrete tasks taught in a highly structured and hierarchical manner. Central to the successful application of this method is the art of the differential reinforcement.
- That is the therapist, parent or caregiver learns how to systematically reward or reinforce behaviour, and ignore, redirect or discourage inappropriate behaviours.
- The most important component that contributes to the effectiveness of the methodology is recording or documentation.
Applied Behaviour Analysis and its Relation with Operant Conditioning: Applied behavior analysis is the extension of operant conditioning principles to change the behavior of humans in natural settings
- In the 1960s, the operant principles began to be applied for shaping human behavior in applied settings. These principles worked well in hospitals, for therapeutic use, schools, prisons, and other institutions.
- The major shift in emphasis from basic laboratory research on animals to applied applications to human beings led to what is now called applied behavior analysis which may be defined as the application of operant principles in clinically or socially significant behaviors to bring socially desirable change in human behavior.
- Teaching a mentally retarded individual certain basic skills to enable hider to live independently or teaching a delinquent child to live cooperatively with peers and other members of society are examples of socially significant behaviors.
- In the literature, both the terms behavior modification and applied behavior analysis are used in describing behavioral interventions. However, psychologists prefer the term applied behavior analysis because it describes the change of behavior by the application of behavioral principles. The term behavior modification may involve the use of many other procedures like hypnosis, psychoanalysis, etc.
NOTE:
- Classical conditioning: This is the simplest form of conditioning, described Pavlov, a Russian Psychologist.
- Insightful learning is given by Kohlar. Insight enhances an individual's ability to perceive and understand something or someone instinctively.
- The Observational Learning Theory of 'Albert Bandura' emphasizes that the principles of social learning.
Hence, we can conclude that Applied Behaviour Analysis is based on principles of Operant conditioning.
