Association for Behavior Analysis International

Three prominent women in applied behavior analysis will discuss their experiences in the field. Dr. Cathleen Piazza (University of Nebraska Medical Center and Munroe-Meyer Institute), Dr. Jennifer McComas (University of Minnesota), and Dr. Stephanie Peterson (Western Michigan University) also will answer questions from the audience.

As behavior analysis continues to grow, it is important to understand where the field is headed. To encourage dialogues on the development of the field, this panel will discuss the history of the field, current research and application trends, and the directions that the panel members feel are most important with the continued evolution of the field.

Panelists will provide and discuss information relevant to applying to graduate school in behavior analysis. Panelists will explain the process of applying to graduate school, providing insight into the qualifications necessary to gain admission and characteristics that lead to a successful career as a graduate student. Specifically, panelists will discuss the importance and relevance of one's academic achievements (e.g., grade-point average and standardized test scores), professional and extracurricular experiences (e.g., presentations at conferences and publications), research, and teaching involvement and how these factors influence admission into a graduate program in behavior analysis. Panelists also will provide unique perspective regarding the admission process, discussing characteristics and qualities that they find attractive on a prospective candidate's curriculum vitae and overall application. The discussion will provide prospective graduate students with a comprehensive account on what constitutes a competitive application and how one should approach applying to graduate programs in behavior analysis.

The field of behavior analysis has grown significantly since its commencement and now spans a wide variety of research areas (e.g., timing, choice, behavioral pharmacology, and comparative studies). As the field continues to grow, it is important to take a look back at our history and reflect on questions that have remained without answer. In the current panel, speakers from a wide variety of basic research areas will summarise the big questions from selected basic research topics, discuss current trends in these areas, and assess possible directions for further research.

What does ABA really stand for? Even though Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been exhaustively implemented in the field of developmental disabilities, gaining particular mainstream attention with autism spectrum disorders, there are several other promising areas that would greatly benefit from practice, research, and development in ABA. The purpose of this panel discussion is to provide information about other domains where behavior analysts have been successful, encourage further research outside autism, and promote dissemination of the field. ABA has made considerable contributions to the areas of behavioral gerontology, organizational behavior management, addiction, obesity, applied animal behavior, and a variety of mental health related issues. However, ABA is not limited to these areas, but is applicable to anything that involves the understanding and modification of behavior. The speakers within this panel will be providing information on how to get more involved in the field of ABA outside the realm of autism , how to make ABA accessible to the mainstream population, and how to apply behavior techniques with animals. ABA really stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, a science in which behavior analysts are not restricted to only assisting those with developmental disabilities. Come and explore your options!

Presenters will give advice on giving effective oral presentations on current treatment or researcher. The presenters will address areas to avoid and provide personal tips. The audience will be invited to ask questions and hold discussions with the panel member.