No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.
Strategies to Position Behavior Analysis as the Contemporary Science of What Works in Behavior Change
Abstract
The negative perception of behavior analysis by the public, and conveyed in mass media, is well-recognized by the professional community of behavior analysts. Several strategies for correcting this perception have been deployed in the field by organizational behavior management practitioners, in particular, with encouraging results. These strategies include (a) reframing behaviorism in a more resonant format, (b) pushing direct outcome comparisons between behavior analysis and its rivals, and (c) playing up the “warm and fuzzy” side of behavior analysis (see Freedman 2015, in this issue, for a thorough description of these strategies). This article outlines three additional strategies that the author believes will position behavior analysis as a “contemporary science of what works in behavior change.” These new strategies are (a) creating a cohesive, easily understandable framework; (b) personally communicating a more contemporary, sophisticated message; and (c) using technology to achieve scale.
... Although the science of behaviour analysis is a well-established academic discipline throughout North America (National Autism Centre, 2015), public image and negative public perception issues persist and are well-recognised by professionals within the discipline on an international level (Fleury, Trevors, & Kendeou, 2019;Freedman, 2016;Schlinger Jr, 2018;Smith, 2016). This is of particular concern in locations where the science and its three branches, i.e., Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) -the systematic application of behaviour analytic principles, Experimental Analysis of Behaviour (EAB) -the basic laboratory-based research, and Radical Behaviourism -the philosophic underpinnings of the discipline (Leaf, Ross, Cihon, & Weiss, 2018), are lesser known and understood (Callahan et al., 2017;Dillenburger, 2011;Grigorenko, Torres, Lebedeva, & Bondar, 2018;Keenan et al., 2015;. ...
... establishing, promoting and disseminating professional standards for Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs) (Kelly et al., 2019). Myths and misconceptions about behaviour analysis are commonplace (Aljadeff-Abergel et al., 2019;Cox, Villegas, & Barlow, 2018) and have been particularly well perpetuated in the mainstream media (Freedman, 2016;Smith, 2016) and across social media platforms ("Better Ways than ABA," 2017) where folk outside of academia are less concerned about the credibility of the sources of their information (Fleury et al., 2019;Gibson & Jacobson, 2018). Representations of ABA in the mainstream media often focus on negative and outdated stereotypes of behaviour modification regarding punishment, control, and coercion (Freedman, 2016;Smith, 2016). ...
... Myths and misconceptions about behaviour analysis are commonplace (Aljadeff-Abergel et al., 2019;Cox, Villegas, & Barlow, 2018) and have been particularly well perpetuated in the mainstream media (Freedman, 2016;Smith, 2016) and across social media platforms ("Better Ways than ABA," 2017) where folk outside of academia are less concerned about the credibility of the sources of their information (Fleury et al., 2019;Gibson & Jacobson, 2018). Representations of ABA in the mainstream media often focus on negative and outdated stereotypes of behaviour modification regarding punishment, control, and coercion (Freedman, 2016;Smith, 2016). This situation demonstrates that empirical evidence alone does not motivate broad adoption of evidence based practices (Bodfish, 2004) and many consumers continue to implement therapeutic practices that are ineffective (Callahan et al., 2017). ...
Behaviour analysis is an established academic discipline however public perception issues on an international level are well-recognised by professionals within the discipline. This review of the literature aims to examine how public perceptions of behaviour analysis might have influence on the dissemination of behaviour analytic research. Since the late 1960s, behaviour analysts have made simultaneous efforts to disseminate their science and establish a credible professional identity. Regardless, public perception issues can be linked to historical and philosophical academic debates, the lack of social validity measurement reported in behaviour analytic research, confusing technical jargon confounding the ability for the applied branch of the science to be more appealing and accessible to mainstream audiences, and the vehement objections regarding the use of ABA from the neurodiversity movement. Without remedial action being taken by the behaviour analytic community there is risk that these public perception issues will reduce or obstruct the dissemination of information to consumers and therapeutic practice areas where behaviour analytic methods could have positive effects on the quality of life of many people. Public perception issues are also likely to be particularly problematic for BCBAs working in locations, like Australia and parts of Europe, where the discipline and its three branches are not so well-established and other competing disciplines are more appealing and accessible to consumers.
... Diversos autores apontaram que as compreensões equivocadas sobre a análise do comportamento e o behaviorismo radical resultam em empecilhos para a propagação de suas propostas conceituais e tecnológicas (Azoubel & Abbud, 2017;Freedman, 2016;Friman, 2014;Gioia, 2001;Guimarães, 2003;Morris, 1985;Normand, 2014;Rodrigues, 2006;Weber, 2002). Tendo isso em vista, essa questão tem sido foco de variadas publicações de analistas do comportamento que visaram identificar equívocos sobre o behaviorismo radical e a análise do comportamento (Azoubel & Abbud, 2017;Gioia, 2001;Guimarães, 2003;Rodrigues, 2006;Weber, 2002) e delinear estratégias que aumentem o impacto das propostas da análise do comportamento na sociedade (Freedman, 2016;Friman, 2014;Morris, 1985;Normand, 2014;Smith, 2016). ...
... Ao contrário dessas informações divulgadas, o behaviorismo radical e a análise do comportamento, apesar de nunca terem representado o paradigma dominante na Psicologia, não deixaram de existir após o surgimento da psicologia cognitivista ou das críticas de Chomsky sobre a abordagem skinneriana ao comportamento verbal, pelo contrário, tem se desenvolvido constantemente por diversos caminhos (Correal, 2016;Smith, 2016); tradicionalmente, atribui-se a John B. Watson o título de fundador do behaviorismo, com seu texto intitulado "A Psicologia como o Behaviorista a vê" (1913); em relação às propostas tecnológicas, é preciso retificar que Skinner não foi o criador da primeira máquina de ensinar, tendo sido precedido por alguns pesquisadores, como Sidney Pressey (1926), mas criou uma nova máquina, baseada em conhecimentos sobre comportamento operante (Skinner, 1958); sobre a formação de Skinner, graduou-se em Literatura Inglesa na Hamilton College e realizou posteriormente mestrado e doutorado em Psicologia na Universidade de Harvard (Cunha & Verneque, 2004). ...
... Na literatura da área, fora sugerido que os conceitos e tecnologias da análise do comportamento sejam apresentados a seus possíveis beneficiários com uma linguagem de fácil compreensão, adaptada aos seus interesses, que seus resultados bem-sucedidos sejam apresentados de forma clara e em comparação com os resultados produzidos por outras abordagens (Freedman, 2016), que os analistas do comportamento apliquem seus conhecimentos para formação de comunicadores por meio de cursos e palestras voltados a eles (Morris, 1985), que os especialistas publiquem suas contribuições em meios de comunicação não-acadêmicos ou em periódicos de outras áreas (Friman, 2014;Normand, 2014), que as associações entre esses pesquisadrores divulguem constantemente as possíveis contribuições analítico-comportamentais para a sociedade e que desenvolvam e divulguem tecnologias comportamentais capazes de solucionar problemas socialmente relevantes sem aumentar consideravelmente os custos econômicos e de resposta (Smith, 2016). Essas e outras estratégias devem ser amplamente discutidas, executadas e seus efeitos avaliados. ...
Frequentemente, o behaviorismo radical e a análise do comportamento são apresentados na mídia por meio de estereótipos negativos, possivelmente atravancando a difusão de suas propostas aos potenciais beneficiários. Com base nisso, o objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar as publicações do jornal Folha de S.Paulo sobre behaviorismo radical e análise do comportamento desde a sua fundação em 1921, até 2015. Para tal, 227 parágrafos presentes no jornal que continham os termos Skinner ou behaviorismo foram selecionados para análise. De forma geral, foram encontrados trechos contendo críticas ao behaviorismo radical que expuseram equívocos históricos e conceituais, problematizaram o este campo de estudo, apresentaram algum aspecto correto e/ou apresentaram o termo "behaviorismo" de forma genérica. Foram identificados tópicos especialmente mal compreendidos: a análise do comportamento como legitimadora do controle, ultrapassada pelas teorias cognitivistas, capaz de explicar apenas comportamentos simples ou de animais não-humanos e interessada apenas em comportamentos observáveis. Recomenda-se que behavioristas radicais comuniquem suas propostas com ênfase em seu caráter de denúncia do controle como uma característica inerente às relações comportamentais de uma ciência viva em constante desenvolvimento e de uma abordagem interessada em lidar com quaisquer comportamentos, que aconteçam dentro ou fora da pele.
... Behavior theory focuses heavily on precise description of behavioral phenomena, and the discussions it evokes seem so different from everyday talk (e.g., Skinner, 1945Skinner, , 1953Skinner, , 1957Skinner, , 1977 that even some behavior analysts have admitted to speaking a distinct language or dialect (one that we call called "behaviorese," loosely following a precedent by Newman, Reeve, Reeve, & Ryan, 2003). Over the years, numerous writers have expressed concern that whatever benefits are conferred by this "unnatural way of speaking" (Maurice, 1993, p. 88), in terms of precise communication among experts, may be at least partially outweighed by adverse effects of disciplinary jargon on nonexperts (e.g., Bailey, 1991;Berger, 1974;Doughty, Holloway, Shields, & Kennedy, 2012;Foxx, 1996;Freedman, 2015;Lindsley, 1991;Normand, 2014;Poling, 2010;Schlinger, 2014;Smith, 2015;Todd & Morris, 1993;Vyse, 2014). ...
... Most often, concerns that "behaviorese" elicits unwanted emotional reactions in some listeners have been raised on the basis of casual observation (e.g., Bailey, 1991;Berger, 1973;Doughty et al., 2012;Foxx, 1996;Freedman, 2015;Lindsley, 1991;Normand, 2014;Poling, 2010;Schlinger, 2014;Smith, 2015;Todd & Morris, 1993;Vyse, 2014). Although a few empirical studies support the existence of a "marketing problem" in behavior analysis Jarmolowicz et al., 2008;Witt, Moe, Gutkin, & Andrews, 1984), we are aware of no relevant program of sustained research. ...
... A third, and especially valuable, direction for research is to determine the conditions under which emotional responses to "behaviorese" actually bear on the extent to which listeners will seek out, "like," and work collaboratively with the behavior analysts. The hypothesis that listeners will seek out pleasant communicators is not our own but rather has been "crowd sourced" over the years by many presumably qualified observers of application and scholarly collaboration (e.g., Bailey, 1991;Berger, 1974;Doughty et al., 2012;Foxx, 1996;Freedman, 2015;Lindsley, 1991;Normand, 2014;Poling, 2010;Schlinger, 2014;Smith, 2015;Todd & Morris, 1993;Vyse, 2014). Moreover, it has been widely assumed that subjective (i.e., emotional) features of communication contribute to consumer embrace of quack therapies that compete with behavior analysis for human services market share (e.g., Green, 1996;Maurice, 1993;Shute, 2010). ...
It has often been suggested that nonexperts find the communication of behavior analysts to be viscerally off-putting. We argue that this concern should be the focus of systematic research rather than mere discussion, and describe five studies that illustrate how publicly available lists of word-emotion ratings can be used to estimate the responses of general-audience listeners. Our results provide support for the hypothesis that some of the ways in which behavior analysts tend to discuss their discipline can be unpleasant, but also illustrate inter-and intraindividual variations in pleasantness. Although our methods are atypical for behavior-analytic research, they are appropriate to the topic and sufficient to suggest many directions for additional research through which a field that considers itself sophisticated in matters of verbal behavior might shed light on its own disciplinary communication challenges.
... Behavior theory focuses heavily on precise description of behavioral phenomena, and the discussions it evokes seem so different from everyday talk (e.g., Skinner, 1945Skinner, , 1953Skinner, , 1957Skinner, , 1977 that even some behavior analysts have admitted to speaking a distinct language or dialect (one that we call called "behaviorese," loosely following a precedent by Newman, Reeve, Reeve, & Ryan, 2003). Over the years, numerous writers have expressed concern that whatever benefits are conferred by this "unnatural way of speaking" (Maurice, 1993, p. 88), in terms of precise communication among experts, may be at least partially outweighed by adverse effects of disciplinary jargon on nonexperts (e.g., Bailey, 1991;Berger, 1974;Doughty, Holloway, Shields, & Kennedy, 2012;Foxx, 1996;Freedman, 2015;Lindsley, 1991;Normand, 2014;Poling, 2010;Schlinger, 2014;Smith, 2015;Todd & Morris, 1993;Vyse, 2014). ...
... Most often, concerns that "behaviorese" elicits unwanted emotional reactions in some listeners have been raised on the basis of casual observation (e.g., Bailey, 1991;Berger, 1973;Doughty et al., 2012;Foxx, 1996;Freedman, 2015;Lindsley, 1991;Normand, 2014;Poling, 2010;Schlinger, 2014;Smith, 2015;Todd & Morris, 1993;Vyse, 2014). Although a few empirical studies support the existence of a "marketing problem" in behavior analysis Jarmolowicz et al., 2008;Witt, Moe, Gutkin, & Andrews, 1984), we are aware of no relevant program of sustained research. ...
... A third, and especially valuable, direction for research is to determine the conditions under which emotional responses to "behaviorese" actually bear on the extent to which listeners will seek out, "like," and work collaboratively with the behavior analysts. The hypothesis that listeners will seek out pleasant communicators is not our own but rather has been "crowd sourced" over the years by many presumably qualified observers of application and scholarly collaboration (e.g., Bailey, 1991;Berger, 1974;Doughty et al., 2012;Foxx, 1996;Freedman, 2015;Lindsley, 1991;Normand, 2014;Poling, 2010;Schlinger, 2014;Smith, 2015;Todd & Morris, 1993;Vyse, 2014). Moreover, it has been widely assumed that subjective (i.e., emotional) features of communication contribute to consumer embrace of quack therapies that compete with behavior analysis for human services market share (e.g., Green, 1996;Maurice, 1993;Shute, 2010). ...
It has often been suggested that nonexperts find the communication of behavior analysts to be viscerally off-putting. We argue that this concern should be the focus of systematic research rather than mere discussion, and describe five studies that illustrate how publicly available lists of word-emotion ratings can be used to estimate the responses of general-audience listeners. Our results provide support for the hypothesis that some of the ways in which behavior analysts tend to discuss their discipline can be unpleasant, but also illustrate inter- and intraindividual variations in pleasantness. Although our methods are atypical for behavior-analytic research, they are appropriate to the topic and sufficient to suggest many directions for additional research through which a field that considers itself sophisticated in matters of verbal behavior might shed light on its own disciplinary communication challenges.
... Other factors for the unfamiliarity of behavior analysis can also be pinpointed, such as how intense and time-consuming single subject research can be, and how costly it is on a large-scale basis. See a discussion of these issues in Smith (2016), who proposes among other things that behavior analysts need to rely on technological systems that sample behavioral data as easily as possible. Moreover, it is important to reconcile that the term "single" in single-subject experimentation refers to the experimental comparison, but not to the few subjects generally used (Perone 1991). ...
... Moreover, it is important to reconcile that the term "single" in single-subject experimentation refers to the experimental comparison, but not to the few subjects generally used (Perone 1991). Smith (2016) also mentions the importance of detecting multiple variables that influence behavior. However, behavioral experiments struggle with many factors and intervening effects, and some factors simply are not at all amenable to strict experimental analysis. ...
The impact of subtle environmental factors on choice can be understood through the prism of behavioral economics, whereas the variations of marketing attributes and impact on choice can be measured using conjoint analysis. Using a behavioral conjoint approach, we conducted several reinforcement value maximization and trade-off analyses in an online healthy food retail setting to understand consumers’ willingness to buy both “healthy” and “unhealthy” food items, which were built on different attributes with different consequences for consumers. We overlay a monadic experiment on top of a conjoint study to exploit the advantages of both approaches. The research design compares different classifications within the same product class (healthy vs. unhealthy), different product class (food vs. fashion items), as well as diverse online platforms (e-commerce, email and social media). Results are presented in terms of partial utility scores from individual consumers based on altered interventions for consumer choices with scenario testing and demand curves. The paper provides practical implications of conjoint analysis as an experimental survey technique for decision making in different digital environments, especially related to the promotion and sales of healthy food. The role of behavioural conjoint analysis as an efficient pre-testing tool for more direct measures on behavior in online experimental analysis are also discussed.
... Other factors for the unfamiliarity of behavior analysis can also be pinpointed, such as how intense and time-consuming single subject research can be, and how costly it is on a large-scale basis. See a discussion of these issues in Smith (2016), who proposes among other things that behavior analysts need to rely on technological systems that sample behavioral data as easily as possible. Moreover, it is important to reconcile that the term "single" in single-subject experimentation refers to the experimental comparison, but not to the few subjects generally used (Perone 1991). ...
... Moreover, it is important to reconcile that the term "single" in single-subject experimentation refers to the experimental comparison, but not to the few subjects generally used (Perone 1991). Smith (2016) also mentions the importance of detecting multiple variables that influence behavior. However, behavioral experiments struggle with many factors and intervening effects, and some factors simply are not at all amenable to strict experimental analysis. ...
The impact of complex environmental factors on consumer choices and preferences can be analyzed through the prism of consumer behavior analysis, whereas variations of marketing attributes and their impact on choice can be measured using conjoint analysis. Considering the case of the constantly growing online food selections, we discuss choice-based conjoint analysis and explore the opportunities for behavior analysts to examine the interrelationships of multiple variables and socially important choice settings, and to promote desired behaviors. We show a few examples of using trade-off analyses in online food retail to understand consumer behavior with respect to healthy food items. As demonstrated in these examples based on our own pilot research, conjoint analysis can be used for complex behavior—that which is not amenable directly to an experimental analysis—or as an efficient initial step before moving into further experiments or analyses using biometrics (e.g., eye-tracking) or web analytics conducted in different settings such as e-commerce, e-mail, social media, or on mobile platforms. This paper summarizes the personalized, data driven economic analysis that is possible with a choice-based conjoint analysis.
... As a consequence, critics of the former have characterized BA as a closed, restrictive, and even perishing community (Hearst, 1967;Rutherford, 2009;Wendt, 1949), although some have rebutted such claims (Roediger, 2004). Such isolation strongly influences persistent discussions on BA life expectancy (Baum, 2000;Carr, 1996;Fantino, 2008;Hayes & Fryling, 2015;Michael, 1980;Poling, 2010;Vyse, 2013; for an entire issue on the topic, see Holth, 2014) and calls for equipping and encouraging behavior analysts to disseminate their findings more broadly (Bailey, 1991;Freedman, 2015;Smith, 2016). ...
... Indeed, as Carr (1996, p. 263) has affirmed, BUntil we make it clear that we too cherish society's highest values, speak its language, and are sensitive to its political yearnings, we should expect to be ignored; and, we will be.D isseminating reliable data and effective interventions that address society's challenges is a sound way to gain cultural acceptance. Fortunately, we can climb the shoulders of prominent authors, whose advice is invaluable in pursuing such an endeavor (Allen, Barone, & Kuhn, 1993;Critchfield, 2014;Freedman, 2015;Friman, 2014a;Morris, 1985Morris, , 2014Normand, 2014;Reed, 2014;Schlinger, 2014a;Smith, 2016;Todd, 2014;Vyse, 2014;Zarcone, 2015). The reason why Brazilian behavior analysts do not publish outside the box, however, does not lie primarily in their unawareness of BA isolation, potential media, or dissemination strategies but in the absence of contingencies of reinforcement for dissemination. ...
Recent studies have stressed the importance of disseminating behavior analysis to a more diverse audience and have provided ways to do so effectively. General science publications offer an attractive venue for communicating with a scientifically educated public. The present study examines behavior analysis research published in Science Today and Research Fapesp, monthly general science publications published by the Brazilian Society for the Advancement of Science and São Paulo Research Foundation, respectively. Behavior analytic terms were searched in issues published from 2003 to 2014, along with psychoanalytic terms as a comparative measure. Only 13 behavior analysis articles were found, while psychoanalytic articles totaled 150. Six of the behavior analysis articles misconstrue fundamental concepts of behavior analysis. The study recommends that behavior analysis researchers extend the dissemination of their findings outside the box.
... Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill. ∼Buddha By many accounts, behavior analysis has a marketing problem (Doughty, Holloway, Shields, and Kennedy 2012;Freedman 2015;Smith 2015). Despite all of the good that behavior analysts accomplish in research and practice, their contributions remain relatively unappreciated by the general public compared to those of mainstream psychology. ...
... There are many ways to construct survey items, and item construction can influence survey responding (e.g., Couper, Traugott, and Lamias 2001;Moser and Kalton 1971), so we extrapolate from these results only cautiously and while acknowledging a need for additional studies to evaluate the generality of the effects. For now, it may be observed that the effects are consistent with the suggestion that behavior analysis has a marketing problem (Doughty et al. 2012;Freedman 2015;Smith 2015), and these effects suggest that the specialized vocabulary of behavior analysis may create hurdles to the acceptability of applied behavior-analytic services. Unaddressed in our survey is exactly why members of the general public found behavior-analytic terms to be problematic. ...
Behavior analysis has a marketing problem. Although behavior analysts have speculated about the problems regarding our technical behavior-analytic terminology and how our terminology has hindered the dissemination of behavior analysis to outsiders, few have investigated the social acceptability of the terminology. The present paper reports the general public’s reactions to technical behavioral jargon versus non-technical substitute terms that refer to applied behavior-analytic techniques. Two-hundred participants, all non-behavior analysts, were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk and completed a survey on the social acceptability of behavioral jargon and non-technical terms. Specifically, participants rated the acceptability of how the six pairs of terms (technical and non-technical) sounded if the treatments were to be implemented for each of 10 potential populations of clients that behavior analysts typically work with. The results show that, overall, members of the general public found non-technical substitute terms more acceptable than technical behavior-analytic terms. The finding suggests that specialized vocabulary of behavior analysis may create hurdles to the acceptability of applied behavior-analytic services. The implication of these findings suggest the importance of a systematic investigation of listener behavior with respect to behavior analysis terms.
... It has been previously suggested that one way to combat the negative perception of behavior analysis from the public (Morris, 1985) may be to reframe behaviorism, compare direct outcomes of behavior analysis with those of other disciplines, and emphasize the "warm and fuzzy side" of behavior analysis (Freedman, 2016;Smith, 2016). Although negative perceptions of behavior analysis should be addressed, the creators of Luca exemplify another, possible concurrent path for addressing public relations concerns within our field: dissemination of specific and nonassociated behavior analytic technology. ...
Behavior analysts are increasingly using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as an intervention package in their practice to change socially significant overt behaviors. One children’s movie, Disney Pixar’s Luca, contains an abundance of ACT hexaflex examples throughout the duration of the film. The ACT examples in this movie are well illustrated and thus could be used by practitioners as video examples when working with children and families, as well as when teaching aspiring behavior analysts about ACT. This discussion includes a descriptive analysis of the Luca movie from start to finish, highlighting specific ACT examples and nonexamples demonstrated in the movie. In addition, an accompanying table includes specific time-stamped examples and nonexamples of ACT skills. Lastly, the implications of ACT strategies being used in the media are reviewed. Ultimately, the success of Luca may provide behavior analysts with a model for the dissemination of behavior analytic technology that allows for embedment in cultural practices.
... Familiarity with this history is important because many practitioners of behavior analysis are likely to interact with community members who either experienced these times or have learned about them in their own studies (Freedman, 2015). Applied behavior analysts may need to correct false assumptions that these practices are still current or are consistent with the practice of applied behavior analysis (Freedman, 2015;Smith, 2016). They may also need to clarify the difference between applied behavior analysis and the broadly defined and poorly supervised historic practice of "behavior modification." 2 Furthermore, the applied behavior analyst needs to understand that these horrific practices set the stage for many of the current ethical and regulatory guidelines that govern the use of punishment and other behavior-analytic practices. ...
Incorporating historical readings and discussion into applied behavior-analytic coursework may be an important strategy for developing well-rounded behavior analysts. However, little guidance is available to instructors interested in teaching the history of applied behavior analysis. This article describes how the history of behavior analysis can be incorporated into a course on applied behavior analysis to achieve this goal. The history of punishment/aversives in behavior analysis will be
provided as an example of how the history of behavior analysis can be embedded into applied coursework. The historical interaction between the culture at large (i.e., the culture beyond behavior analysis) and behavior-analytic literature and events related to punishment will be described because both affect the field and have led to the current state of practice. History related to early ethical standards, early experimental
analysis of behavior literature, the backlash against early applied behavior.
... These variants are generic objects, people and their interrelationships that are observed and together are potential sources to develop the behavioural repertoire of an individual. Thus, the more observed objects and people, the more the behavioural repertoire (Smith, 2015). ...
Challenges are one of the most common strategies used by Opinion Leaders on Social Media to engage users. They are often found in different areas; in the Health field, the use of challenges is growing, namely through initiatives aiming at eating behaviour change. Instagram is considered to be one of the most used Social Media applications to develop these initiatives, allowing Opinion Leaders to communicate and engage with their online followers. Despite this scenario, little is known regarding how Health Challenges are being used and what is their impact on behaviour change. Previous research has already shown how Opinion Leaders use Instagram to promote eating behaviour change. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize, describe and discuss Social Media Health Challenges, aiming to analyse Instagram challenges on healthy eating. The study was organized in two phases: the first one is a literature review based on Prisma method that supported the conceptualisation of Social Media Challenges and the design for the second phase where Social Media Health Challenges of Opinion Leaders, such as Nutritionists, Health Lifestylers and Patient Opinion Leaders (POLS) were analysed. Results showed that most of the challenges are promoted by Patient Opinion Leaders and Health Lifestylers. Followers adhere to Social Media Health Challenges related to weight loss, engaging with Opinion Leaders. The psychological-cognitive components (such as habits, motivation, and self-control) were found in the analysed challenges, and Instagram is one of the used tools to promote these Initiatives. These results point to new paths regarding future research on other behaviour change online initiatives.
... From the foregoing and based on the examples of theories we have reviewed so far, it could be said that, the Behaviorist approach and its theories are useful in explaining human Behavior in our society [14,15]. From the functionalist perspective to the Marxist and feminists, the social action of Weber and the symbolic interactionist school, social exchange theory and dramaturgy; were all tailored to explain human Behavior from the various perspectives through which human Behavior could be understood. ...
... This issue is not, of course, specific to EAB, but certainly related to its viability. Others provide good recommendations for improving the public perception of behavior analysis generally (see, e.g., Critchfield, 2014;Friman, 2014;& Smith, 2016). ...
The future of the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) is dire and, in its current form, its demise seems all but inevitable. Lack of academic jobs and, as a result, opportunities for training the next generation of EAB scholars provide the principle evidence that EAB will soon cease to exist. Future opportunities to pursue EAB likely depend upon more intentional and systematic integration with applied behavior analysis (ABA), as well as other applications (i.e., translational research), and in other fields (e.g., neuroscience).
... If published commentaries are of any guide, applied behavior analysts tend to agonize over how they are perceived by laypersons and other non-experts (e.g., Bailey, 1991;Doughty et al., 2012;Freedman, 2015;Foxx, 1996;Lindsley, 1991;Smith, 2015)-and possibly for good reason. Maurice (1993), for instance, wrote that in her experience, a behavior analyst often is seen as BAttila the Hun^1 rather than the Bangel of love and acceptance^(p. ...
It has been suggested that non-experts regard the jargon of behavior analysis as abrasive, harsh, and unpleasant. If this is true, excessive reliance on jargon could interfere with the dissemination of effective services. To address this often discussed but rarely studied issue, we consulted a large, public domain list of English words that have been rated by members of the general public for the emotional reactions they evoke.
Selected words that behavior analysts use as technical terms were compared to selected words that are commonly used to discuss general science, general clinical work, and behavioral assessment. There was a tendency for behavior analysis terms to register as more unpleasant than other kinds of professional terms and also as more unpleasant than English words generally. We suggest possible reasons for this finding, discuss its relevance to the challenge of deciding how to communicate with consumers who do not yet understand or value behavior analysis, and advocate for systematic research to guide the marketing of behavior analysis.
... If published commentaries are any guide, applied behavior analysts tend to agonize over how they are perceived by laypersons and other non-experts (e.g., Bailey 1991; Doughty et al. 2012; Freedman, 2015; Foxx, 1996; Lindsley 1991; Smith 2015) --and possibly for good reason. Maurice (1993), for instance, wrote that in her experience a behavior analyst often is seen as "Attila the Hun" 1 rather than the "angel of love and acceptance" (p. ...
It has been suggested that non-experts regard the jargon of behavior analysis as abrasive, harsh, and unpleasant. If this is true, excessive reliance on jargon could interfere with the dissemination of effective services. To address this often discussed but rarely studied issue, we consulted a large, public-domain list of English words that have been rated by members of the general public for the emotional reactions they evoke. Selected words that behavior analysts use as technical terms were compared to selected words that are commonly used to discuss general science, general clinical work, and behavioral assessment. There was a tendency for behavior analysis terms to register as more unpleasant than other kinds of professional terms, and also as more unpleasant than English words generally. We suggest possible reasons for this finding; discuss its relevance to the challenge of deciding how to communicate with consumers who don’t yet understand or value behavior analysis; and advocate for systematic research to guide the marketing of behavior analysis.
... How should we speak and write about behavior analysis, both when communicating within behavior analysis or with the members of the general population is an ongoing concern in the field (Diller, Salters-Pedneault, & Gallagher, 2014;Freedman, 2016;Friman, 2014aFriman, , 2014bHayes, 1991;Hineline, 2005;Morris, 1985Morris, , 2014Reed, 2014;Smith, 2016;Tuomisto & Parkkinen, 2012). Rather than present another discussion article or tutorial, Becirevic, Critchfield, and Reed asked the general public's opinion about behavioral terminology and possible alternatives. ...
The field of behavior analysis has demonstrated a renewed emphasis on compassionate practices in recent years, in response to calls for action from the communities that benefit from behavior analytic services. Recent publications and conference proceedings suggest a newly strengthened commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the study of trauma-informed practices. In contribution to this effort, the faculty of a department of applied behavior analysis in an online university developed and validated a framework for compassionate practices for behavior analysts and intentionally infused these values into the curriculum of graduate-level courses using a variety of strategies. The strategies are described in terms of motivational, antecedent, and consequence-based interventions for graduate learners. The process of developing the framework is described, as well as the strategies used to support faculty in their incorporation of the framework into teaching and responding to learners. Future directions for strengthening compassionate pedagogical practices as a means of supporting the development of compassionate future behavior analysts are also described.
One of the greatest challenges in business consulting is to help clients quickly grasp how the products and services you offer will improve their organizations. As businesswomen whose adult lives have been spent implementing behavioral solutions in large companies and complex organizations, we have amassed experience and advice for those who seek to help others achieve sustainable improvements through behaviorally based solutions. It starts with getting them to understand and believe in what you are proposing. This paper outlines advice and strategies gained over three decades of marketing and implementing behavioral solutions in large organizations.
For more than two decades researchers in the field of behavior analysis have lamented that they [managers, educators, etc.] are "not using our good stuff" more often. During the past few years six strategies have been advanced to expand the use of behavior analysis. The present behavior-based research model incorporates all six suggested strategies: it employs a more resonant format; it entails the enactment of "warm and fuzzy" behaviors; it offers an easily understood framework; it permits evidence-based management; it incorporates a more contemporary and sophisticated message; and it is scalable. To date, research on the Cube One framework has employed a molar analysis of summated enterprise-, customer-, and employee-directed managerial practices (behaviors). At the molar level, organizations enacting high levels of these managerial behaviors are far more successful than those that enact a low level-results found equally applicable to for-profit and nonprofit/government organizations. The present research, using data from 609 respondents examines30 management practices at a granular level. Organizational performance is measured both using a comprehensive rating and a behavior-based scale. Item means of managerial practices (i.e., behavior frequencies) can be used for diagnostic purposes, and cut points are provided for organizations with 25, 50, and 100 respondents. Based on diagnostic assessments, organizations can undertake interventions. Ways to modify the present research to more closely parallel the traditional behavior analysis paradigm are described. Toward a "Warm and Fuzzy," Behavior Analysis: Application of a Granular Version of the Cube One Framework For more than two decades there has been widespread disappointment regarding the minimal application of behavior analysis to address important matters in human affairs. Writing in The Behavior Analyst, William Heward and Richard Malott (1995) noted that despite the impressive evidence of the efficacy of applied behavior analysis to dramatically address real-world problems, the approach has been rarely used in practice. Heward and Malott lamented: "Why aren't they (educators, managers, etc.) using our good stuff more often? Can't they see how it can solve the important problems that exist today?" (p. 69). Clearly, the lamented state of affairs has persisted, viz. there has remained limited adoption of applied behavior analysis. This led David Freedman (2015) to suggest three strategies for improving the public perception of behavior analysis. The strategies included reframing behaviorism to have a more resonant format; demonstrating that an intervention is evidence-based; and playing up the "warm and fuzzy" side of behavior analysis.
This study investigated the sensation and evaluation of micro climate environment based on the people's behavior and activity characteristics. Environmental measurement on micro climate was tested in different field taken the commercial pedestrian street in Harbin Central Avenue as an example. In this paper, the seasons of severe cold cities are divided into four periods including severe cold, cold, transition and hot according to the regional climate throughout the year. The interval mathematical statistics method was applied to calculate the micro climate threshold corresponding to the sensation evaluation of people's activities. The result from threshold analysis could provide sub indicators for the comprehensive evaluation of micro climate in the commercial district. The aim of the study is to provide technical methods and quantitative basis for the micro climate regulation management and decision-making in the commercial district.
A probable list of causes for the limited acceptance of behaviorism in our society is identified. This is followed by a summary review of the proposed solutions identified in other papers in this special issue of The Behavior Analyst, most of which relate to either better marketing of either the behavior analytic process or the results achieved as a consequence. One paper proposes a more broad conception of behavior analysis. This paper endorses the solutions identified in previous papers and then goes on to propose an even more broad conception of behavior analysis and makes the point that behavior analysis is unlikely to flourish unless behavior analysts understand a good deal more about the cultural and other contextual features of the environments in which they work.
Every day, we make decisions on topics ranging from personal investments to schools for our children to the meals we eat to the causes we champion. Unfortunately, we often choose poorly. The reason, the authors explain, is that, being human, we all are susceptible to various biases that can lead us to blunder. Our mistakes make us poorer and less healthy; we often make bad decisions involving education, personal finance, health care, mortgages and credit cards, the family, and even the planet itself. Thaler and Sunstein invite us to enter an alternative world, one that takes our humanness as a given. They show that by knowing how people think, we can design choice environments that make it easier for people to choose what is best for themselves, their families, and their society. Using colorful examples from the most important aspects of life, Thaler and Sunstein demonstrate how thoughtful "choice architecture" can be established to nudge us in beneficial directions without restricting freedom of choice. Nudge offers a unique new take-from neither the left nor the right-on many hot-button issues, for individuals and governments alike. This is one of the most engaging and provocative books to come along in many years. © 2008 by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein. All rights reserved.
The potential impact of behavior analysis is limited by the public's dim awareness of the field. The mass media rarely cover behavior analysis, other than to echo inaccurate negative stereotypes about control and punishment. The media instead play up appealing but less-evidence-based approaches to problems, a key example being the touting of dubious diets over behavioral approaches to losing excess weight. These sorts of claims distort or skirt scientific evidence, undercutting the fidelity of behavior analysis to scientific rigor. Strategies for better connecting behavior analysis with the public might include reframing the field's techniques and principles in friendlier, more resonant form; pushing direct outcome comparisons between behavior analysis and its rivals in simple terms; and playing up the "warm and fuzzy" side of behavior analysis.
Drive: the surprising truth about what motivates us
- D H Pink
- DH Pink
Fix the problem, and not just the symptoms. The New York Times
- A Bryant
The power of habit: why we do what we do in life and business
- C H Duhigg
- CH Duhigg
Switch: how to change things when change is hard
- C Heath
- D Heath
The perfected self. The Atlantic
- D H Freedman