Applied behavior analysis is a practice that uses behavioral techniques to positively change a behavior. Many school districts have adopted this practice to attempt to extinguish negative behaviors. This study investigated applied behavior analysis techniques and if they were able to decrease a child's negative behaviors from the perspective of parents. This study consisted of guardians of children who have displayed negative behaviors at home and within the school. Findings showed that parents felt applied behavior analysis techniques were successful in improving student behaviors.
TopIntroduction
Children’s negative behaviors within school districts have risen and are affecting children’s learning opportunities. Children at all grade levels are displaying high risk behaviors such as cursing, hitting staff/peers, elopement, or non-compliance. Behaviors have been a focus for many researchers over the years. Since the 1960s, therapists have been applying behavior analysis to help children with autism and related developmental disorders. Behavior analysis is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment (AutismSpeaks, 2014). Over the years ABA principles such as behavior interventions trace all the way back to B.F. Skinner. Skinner has provided basic research that has outlined the basic principles of behavior, which include reinforcement, prompting, fading, shaping, reinforcement schedules, etc. (Burk, C, 2014). ABA’s main focus has been children with autism and their behaviors. Many researchers have been researching ABA principles with a focus on children with autism but have failed to focus these principles on general education children.
Numerous studies have concluded that when ABA principles are used on a consistent basis, there is a steady increase in positive behaviors and decrease in negative behaviors (Reinke, W. Herman, K., & Storomont, M., 2013). ABA strategies give children clear expectations as to what is required from them in order to allow them to succeed within their natural environments. Throughout this research and study many children have shown an inconsistent authoritative figure and minimal structure in their daily living, whether it is at home or at school. There are many factors that impact a child’s behavior, for some children a loss of structure or lack of/inconsistent boundaries may lead to negative behaviors. Children with negative behaviors, struggle with academics, focusing in class, and structure in their lives as well as their behaviors.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the success rate of children who were identified as having negative behaviors using ABA techniques within their classroom and home environment. ABA techniques could decrease negative behaviors, assist with academics, and focusing within their classroom environment, or they may have little to no positive change reported. The research question was: Are ABA techniques effective according to parents? Specifically, how do parents’ evaluate their children’s behaviors after the application of ABA interventions, positively or negatively, during the study. Guardians were asked to give feedback regarding ABA techniques that are given. All guardians were given a confidential survey about ABA strategies prior to the study. No guardian information or their children's information was given.
For the purpose of this study, the following words are defined:
Negative behaviors: cursing, hitting staff/peers, elopement, or non-compliance
Positive reinforcement: verbal praise or tangible reinforcement
Natural environment: home, public, or school
This Research
The success of ABA interventions is largely dependent on structure and having a consistent setting and implementation. Many children lack structure and consistency in their lives which increases their negative behaviors. ABA interventions provide a focus on decreasing negative behaviors within their natural environments. Many districts throughout different counties have begun to adopt these ABA principles for teacher’s classrooms in order to decrease negative behaviors. This research will deter in whether ABA can be a successful intervention for guardians with children who display negative behaviors within their natural environment. Guardians will then be able to continue using ABA strategies to help maintain positive behaviors within the home as well as at school. With these results it can help school districts shape children’s negative behaviors and create a more positive learning environment.