Association for Behavior Analysis International

Women’s issues in behavior analysis are widely regarded, today, as having had a resurgence (e.g., the Women in Behavior Analysis Conferences). The resurgence is important. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the basis of a well-functioning organizations and societies -- ones that are likely to survive. However, the assertion about the resurgence lacks evidence. Our presentation offers some evidence. We present the results of a content analysis of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) conference programs between 1975 and 2018 (e.g., women’s committees, special interest groups, symposia, presentations). Given the recent evidence (e.g., 2015-present), the resurgence is real, but is not at a higher level of activism than during the first 15 years of the ABAI conferences. Next, we offer an analysis of the early and later activism – and lack thereof in between -- based on the contributions of specific individuals (e.g., Judy Favell, Elsie Pinkston) and cultural changes (e.g., the second wave of the feminist movement; the Equal Rights Amendment, the #MeToo movement). Finally, we consider how past practices might inform and be adopted selectively to advance a currently more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community of women in behavior analysis, in the ABAI organization, and in society at large.

In complex social interaction and relationships, it is common for individuals to “become offended,” hurt, or insulted by a speaker’s verbal behavior. This type of event commonly occurs across all types of relationships and can cause great distress for those involved, making it worth investigating from a behavioral perspective. To do so, there are a number of features to explore. First, an understanding of the relevant variables that allow the speaker’s verbal behavior to be responded to as if it were “offensive.” A few examples of variables that contribute to this are relationship-specific contingencies, situational variables, frequency, nonverbal behaviors, paralinguistic features, and content (Toney & Hayes, 2017). Since none of these features are unconditioned aversive stimuli, the conditioning that allows for the development of these stimulus functions should be investigated. Second, it is important to consider the function of becoming offended. Traditionally, such an analysis is overlooked as attention is primarily given to the speaker’s offensive behavior. Yet, behaviors involved in becoming offended operate within their own separate contingencies that are worth investigating. In this paper, the author will explore relevant features and issues of this type of interaction and discuss potential ways a behavior-analytic approach could benefit our understanding.

There has been growing interest in the representation of women and other minorities in the field of behavior analysis given the inception of the Women in Behavior Analysis conference and the special issue on Women in Behavior Analysis published in Behavior Analysis in Practice, an ABAI-affiliated journal. This symposium reports data regarding representation of women in academia within behavior analysis by examining research productivity and publicly available salaries. The first paper entitled, “Participation of Women in Behavior Analysis Research: Some Recent and Relevant Data,” reports an increasing trend of women publishing in major behavior analytic journals compared to historical data. The second paper, “The Gender Pay Gap for Behavior Analysis Faculty: It’s Big and Bad,” reports a shocking discrepancy amongst female and male professors employed at ABAI-accredited universities based in the United States relative to other disciplines. We discuss implications of these findings for women in academia and in the field of behavior analysis.

Professors, graduate students, instructors of behavior analysis, and supervisors of individuals pursuing behavior analytic certification

Criminal behavior is a persistent social problem. Nationally, nearly 68% of individuals released from prison return within three years (National Institutes of Justice, 2014). There is increased interest, including by researchers and federal agencies (e.g., National Institute of Justice) to examine the neurocognitive deficits of offenders. However, additional research advancing the science and practice of examining decisions to commit or abstain from crime, is needed. Individuals who have been convicted of criminal offenses often have co-morbidities or co-occurring conditions such as alcohol and substance abuse, disease, and/or mental illness (Jaffe, Huang, & Hser, 2012). Behavioral economics provides a promising approach for evaluating a variety of reinforcer pathologies including substance abuse, problem gambling, alcohol abuse, and obesity (see, MacKillop, et al. 2011). However, few studies have specifically examined behavioral economics methodology with individuals who have been convicted of criminal offenses. In the present study, participants were recruited from a community-based re-entry program in Kansas City, Missouri. Participants completed computerized assessments including a delay discounting task. Data are presented on delay discounting rates among different types of offenders. Delayed discounting values were analyzed based on offender types including violent offenses, non-violent offenses, sex offenses, and drug offenses. Based on pilot-testing of the computerized assessment, overall the hyperboloid functions seemingly fit the data well for the discounting of money by individuals who had been convicted of multiple offenses (r2=.94), or committed more severe crimes such as sex (r2=.90) and drug-related (r2=.89) offenses. The monetary valuation for sex, drug, and multiple offenses decreases with the delay in time. Additionally, it was found that criminal offenders, particularly those with more severe offenses, displayed similar patterns of delay discounting as identified in previous studies for other maladaptive behaviors (e.g., drug use, gambling). The lessons learned and practical recommendations for advancing behavioral economic research toward reducing criminal behavior and recidivism are presented.

Increases in the use of alternative, unsupported treatments have been observed in multiple countries, including the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom (Eisenburg, Davis, et al., 1998; Coulter & Willis, 2004; Segar, 2011). When used as an alternative to empirically-supported treatments, these treatments represent a suboptimal use of time and resources. Using the Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk) platform, this study evaluated the demand for an empirically-supported treatment for child behavior problems with and without the availability of an alternative, treatment option unsupported by research. Participants were caregivers who endorsed difficulties with child behavior and a willingness to pursue behavioral treatment. Preliminary results indicated that a high degree of caregivers elected to substitute an evidence-based treatment for an alternative, unsupported treatment to varying degrees. These findings represent a novel extension of the applied behavioral economic framework and support continued efforts to use operant demand methodology to inform policy regarding evidence-based treatments.

Delay discounting has been shown to be related to psychological flexibility, social discounting, and substance-use disorders, suggesting that addiction and social processes are related. While relations between delay discounting and the valuation of various commodities have been extensively examined, relations between such commodities and social discounting have not. This study aims to assess such relations, primarily those between social discounting, delay discounting, psychological flexibility, and valuations of food, alcohol and firearms. Eighty U.S. adult participants were recruited using Amazon MTURK and administered questionnaires using Qualtrics. Adjusting-amount procedures were used to measure delay discounting, social discounting, and commodity valuations (i.e., where participants had to choose between an adjusting, smaller amount of money for anything or a fixed, larger gift card for a particular class of commodities). Social discounting was also measured using a monetary-choice questionnaire and a novel slider assessment procedure. Results support previous findings between delay and social discounting and magnitude effects on commodity valuation. However, the tendency for shallow social discounters to value firearms higher than steeper discounters and the lack of relation between delay discounting and firearm valuation suggests important differences between the two forms of discounting and further contextualizes the utility of such procedures.

Most questionnaires in the game fields were developed based on experiences and opinions, limiting their usage in terms of understanding human behaviors and identifying effective factors to make game successful. The purpose of this study is developing a new scale for game developers based on learning theory, in order to identify game elements that affect game behaviors among users. Through previous research analysis, interviewing game experts and applying ABC framework based on learning theory to items, total of 46 items were developed: 10 items of natural rewards from playing games, 13 items of reward systems within games, 23 items of game design and construct element. And, 450 adult participants ages from 20 to 49 completed the questionnaires for the games they were familiar with. The exploratory factor analysis showed two factors (intrinsic and extrinsic reinforcement) in natural rewards, three factors (predictable reward, unpredictable reward, and punishment) in reward systems, and three factors (game management, influencing, and game design) in game design and components. The confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable fit indices (CFI, TLI and RMSEA). Also, internal consistency falls in the acceptable range. These indices indicate that the new scale is a reliable and valid instrument. Finally, implications were discussed.

Behavioral skills training has been shown to teach firearm safety skills to children (Miltenberger et al., 2004), to teach blackjack skills to adults (Speelman, Whiting, & Dixon, 2015), and to teach accurate pouring to college students (Hankla, Kohn, & Normand, 2017). Behavioral skills training may also be effective for teaching interview skills to adolescents who have been adjudicated. Improved interview skills in this population may result in future employment, leading to decreased likelihood of recidivism (Visher & Courtney, 2007; Visher, Debus, & Yahner, 2008; Yahner & Visher, 2008) and increased access to reinforcers such as social interactions and income. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of BST to improve the interview skills of adolescents who had been adjudicated. Effects of BST were evaluated in a nonconcurrent multiple baseline across behaviors design. Procedures implemented were adapted from Stocco, Thompson, Hart, and Soriano (2017).

There is an increasing awareness of the imbalance of power that exists between men and women, exemplified by wage gaps, lower incidence of women CEOs, and prevalence of sexual harassment towards women in all settings. Sexual harassment is a prevalent problem in the workplace, despite the availability of harassment trainings required in many companies. Because behavior analysts have the expertise to change behavior, general societal problems such as sexual harassment can and should be addressed by behavior analysts. This poster will review research on sexual harassment trainings done in institutions. A small amount of research has examined perceptions of the effectiveness of trainings, but insufficient research has been done on how trainings decrease sexual harassment behaviors. Based on the research and common procedures for trainings on sexual harassment, limitations will be addressed and directions for future research will be presented. Potential improvements for sexual harassment training procedures, based on proven behavioral training procedures in other areas, will be discussed and proposed.

Disruptive behavior in childhood and adolescence requires immediate attention due to the high incidence of this behavior and its direct association with aggressiveness and antisocial behavior. The purpose of this research was to apply a behavior modification program for disruptive behavior in adolescents and adults. The participants are five adolescents from a youth integration center and five adults in the south-southeast regional justice center. Record sheets are used for the occurrence of behaviors and an application for a mobile device for behavioral registration. The initial records operationalist the disruptive behaviors of the program and were carried out by two observers who met at least 80% of agreement. A stimulus preference evaluation was conducted and subsequently a multiple baseline design consisting of a behavioral contract and token economy. The program lasted four weeks and a follow-up phase. The predicted results include the decrease in disruptive behavior after the intervention in both groups. The results will be discussed in relation to the importance of intervening on disruptive behaviors in populations that are difficult to access and with behavioral problems such as aggression and addictions. Identify strategies and early intervention for this type of behavior will be proposed.

Behavior analysts are in the unique position to build bridges that cross cultures and to respect diversity in meaningful measurable ways. We can reach across professions, across disciplines, and across age groups to address patterns that harm any population. We can translate procedures from other fields, and design and sequence measurable objectives without relying on psychological constructs. This symposium will share an analysis and solutions for challenges that arise from exclusionary cultural diversity practices and the great need to provide diversity training. Behavior analysts can contribute to policy and practices that affect the LGBTQ community. We discuss the need to develop culturally competent assessment and treatment interventions for those diagnosed on the autism spectrum. We examine the current and historical make up of the leadership in our own international organization. The constructional approach is presented to help define and facilitate how behavior analysis can move us forward in addressing these issues.

College professors BCBA practitioners

The worldwide impact of autism creates a need to develop culturally competent assessment and treatment interventions that can be implemented in a variety of cultures. The literature on interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has identified behavioral interventions as being very effective in Western cultures. However, there is little research about behavioral interventions in non-Western cultures. Culture can affect a person’s beliefs about the cause or origin of ASD, which types of treatment the person seeks, and the goals/outcomes the person expects. Western ABA providers working with individuals with ASD from diverse cultures need to develop and maintain multicultural competencies to better understand the needs of the people with whom they work and to be able to modify interventions to be more effective in non-Western cultures. This paper discusses the impact of culture on the diagnosis and treatment of ASD, barriers to accessing ASD treatment services in non-Western cultures, the existing research gap regarding the cross-cultural implementation of ABA, current ABA efforts to address diversity issues in the field, and recommendations for future research.

Inclusive practices for students, teachers, and families help create an inviting school culture. All families need to experience a safe and welcoming environment. Stereotypes of gender may limit life experiences, limit access to meaningful consequences, and limit available alternatives. In 2016, the first-ever national survey was administered to parse high school students by sexuality. The two new questions added to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control survey asked students about (1) their sexual orientation and (2) the gender of their partners. These data show that 1.3 million teens, about 8% of all high school students in America, report being lesbian, gay, or bisexual. This presentation will present a behavior analytic approach to define bullying and other social interactions that lead to exclusion. We will share resources that promote inclusion and teach students to create allies, and to recognize the undesirable role of the bystander. Behavior analysis provides us with the framework to design and arrange these complex social contingencies.

As a field, Applied Behavior Analysis is expected to be able to produce socially significant changes in the lives of individuals from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. While behavior analysts strive to provide the best care to their clients, only minimal support may be available to help behavior analysts develop the skills needed for effectively bridging gaps that exist when providers and clients share little in terms of cultural understanding. This challenge is particularly well illustrated when reviewing the sociocultural backgrounds of those comprising major leadership groups, such as the Behavior Analysis Certification Board and Association for Professional Behavior Analysts, as well as when accounting for the frequency of related presentations at major conferences. Without a concentrated effort to both develop field-wide leaders from diverse communities and promote appropriate diversity and sensitivity training for practitioners, consumers of ABA services may find it difficult to find behavior analysts with whom they can effectively communicate. As our field naturally results in contact with people from all walks of life, it is important for practitioners at every level to have a solid understanding of the issues surrounding diversity within the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

Demographic and cultural variables undoubtedly influence the global adoption and success of behavioral services, but limited research exists in this area. The authors of Study 1 identified reasons for the appointment cancellations of 43 children in an outpatient ABA program. Common barriers included those related to socio-economic status (e.g., work conflicts, instability in living situation), emphasizing the importance of considering stakeholder characteristics in service delivery. The authors of Study 2 conducted a review of articles recently published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and found that demographic variables were generally underreported. The authors will describe obstacles to and rationale for fully reporting demographic variables in future publications. The authors of Study 3 analyzed the efficacy and social validity of a training program to teach function-based approaches to parents and practitioners in Chennai, India. The authors will discuss the cultural variables relevant to this region that were considered during the development phase of their study. The authors of Study 4 successfully extended tele-health services to families located in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Both efficacy and social validity data will highlight the outcomes of the authors’ global outreach efforts. Finally, Elizabeth Fong will discuss these four studies in relation to our need for a more effective science of cultural and demographic influences.

Practicing behavior analysts

Research has shown that children diagnosed with developmental disabilities exhibiting severe problem behavior benefit from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Because ABA therapy often places a heavy emphasis on caregiver involvement and consistency of treatment practice, the effectiveness of therapy may be compromised if excessive cancellations occur. The current study identified common reasons for appointment cancellations. This allowed us to examine potential barriers that may be intervened on to increase the likelihood of treatment success. Attendance records of 43 children being seen in a weekly outpatient ABA program that focused on parent training for problem behavior were reviewed. Frequency of cancellations were measured, grouped into categories, and ranked from highest to lowest. Preliminary data collected over twelve weeks indicated that scheduling conflicts, illness, and scheduling miscommunications were the most frequent reasons that cancellations occurred. These variables were discussed in terms of possible interventions that could be used to decrease cancellations and subsequently increase success of intervention for parents at high-risk of experiencing barriers to appointment attendance.

Describing participants’ demographic variables (ethnicity/race, socioeconomic status (SES), gender/sex, age, etc.) may be important for identifying how such variables may impact behavioral interventions and for identifying patterns across research articles. We evaluated the extent to which studies published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis for the last five years included demographic variables of participants. Any mention of information regarding age, gender or sex, ethnicity or race, SES, diagnosis, functioning level, scores on standardized tests or assessments, educational levels, and culture for any participant in the study was coded. The data were analyzed as the percentage of experiments mentioning a broad demographic variable (e.g., SES), and number of individuals mentioned in an experiment with a specific characteristic within the broader demographic category (e.g., low income). Generally, demographic variables were underreported, which may limit the broader impact of those publications. Obstacles to and rationale for fully reporting demographic variables are explored.

Uncomfortable conversations about uncomfortable topics in a social media forum: What could go wrong? With over 5,500 members as of October 2018, and chapters around the world standing up for human rights, social justice and an end to harassment, it's time to meet up in person! B. F. Skinner may have called us the "uncommitted." However, we think of ourselves as brave new leaders using behavioral science at a grassroots level to advance a new progressive movement (Mittaini & Aspholm, 2016). Join us!