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1 Running head: Defining Behaviors

Defining Behaviors Samantha Aquiat Capella University

Defining Behaviors

2 Abstract

In Applied Behavior Analysis, also known as ABA, it is essential to understand the reasonings and definitions of specific behaviors. When you focus on a target behavior, you are looking for the topography and functions of that target behavior. Topography based on the shape and form of the behavior, while function is the effect of the environment the behavior was in (Cooper, et al. 2020). In my paper, I will be focusing on my dog in our 20-minute walk around the neighborhood. I will be showing examples of collecting accurate data and replications of the study that could be used in the future to increase positive behaviors that shows strong definitions. Keyword: behavior, stimulus class, antecedent, response class

Defining Behaviors

3 Defining Behavior

In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) focuses on improving targeted behaviors. To make changes in specific behaviors, there must be strong, clear, understanding, concise, and objective definitions (Cooper et al., 2020). Using consistent techniques such as reinforcement can decrease undesired behaviors. When defining behavior, it is important to have a strong understanding of operational definitions when focusing on a target behavior. This will help with having accurate data and replication of the study for future behaviors. In this paper, I will be focusing on target behaviors observed in my dog while going in a 20minute walk. I will be defining three behaviors and their response class. The environment of the target behavior will be documented, as well. Furthermore, the similarities and differences of stimulus and responses class would be discussed towards the end. Observed Behaviors Behavior One: Grabbing Leash Operational Definition: Grabbing the leash is defined as taking the leash out of her toy basket and handing over to the observer. This includes her climbing in her toy basket, searching for the leash, and grabbing the leash with her mouth. When she got the leash, she climbs out of the basket and walks over to the observer to place the leash on the observer's hand. This includes the behavior was the response after the observer said the word, "walk." When hearing the word "walk," the dog knows it was time to go for a walk. Environmental Contingency: When hearing the word "walk," the dog instantly knows to grab the leash out of the basket and hand the leash to the observer. This shows the observer the dog wants to go for a walk by grabbing and handing the leash over (antecedent). The

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consequence was the observer grabs the leash and put the leash on the dog in responding to going for a walk (positive reinforcement- favorite activity). Response Class: The response class for the target behavior of grabbing the leash is to respond from the observer saying "walk." The observer knows the dog wants to go for a walk because it grabbed the leash, and their tail was wagging. Behavior Two: Biting (Nipping) Operational Definition: Bitting (nipping) would be defined as a lite bite that was contacted to the observer's body (finger). This behavior is not socially accepted with praises or continues of the walk. Environmental Contingency: The antecedent of the observed bite by the dog was when the observer picks up the dog to help it go down the stairs. The lite bite was a response to the dog's excitement on going for a walk. After the bite, the walk would be delayed with observer sit and the dog response by sitting. They would have to wait for 10 seconds until to continue the walk. When the dog sat and waited, continuing with the walk was the positive reinforcement. The biting behavior was maintained for the future. Response Class: The response class for the biting behavior is access to sensory of excitement of the walk. Behavior Three: Tugging Operational Definition: Tugging during the walk defined as the result in the movement of the leash. This includes pulling on the leash, causing it to be stiff, and creating the observer to get pulled forward. The observer had to prompt the dog 2x to stop tugging. This is not acceptable behavior.

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Environmental Contingency: The antecedent of tugging was the dog was desired to see another dog in the neighborhood. After the behavior, the observer sat, and the dog had to wait another 20 seconds before continuing the walk. After the dog waited, the observer praised the waited behavior and continued with the walk. The behavioral contingency of continuing the walk was a positive reinforcement. The tugging behavior was maintained for future walks. Response Class: The response class for the tugging behavior is access to attention and sensory of excitement seeing another dog. Response Class and Stimulus Class Stimulus class is any group of stimuli with shared similarities with the function outcome on a behavior. The types of stimulus classes are- formal, functional, and temporal (Copper et al.,2020). However, with precise class, there are two different types of class that is used in ABA. An example of a feature is having a person see the similarities of pictures of dogs. The person can say, "they have fur, two eyes, four legs, etc." Another example of formal is using the bathroom sign. When seeing the bathroom sign, such as the figure with a dress, that states it is the women's bathroom. This example is called arbitrary. Response class is a group of responses has the same outcome on the environment (notwithstanding the topography) (Cooper et al., 2020). An example of a response class is what stated above of the dog's behavior- grabbing, bitting, and tugging.

Similar and Difference Response class and stimulus class key concepts in ABA to use on improving behavior. Each class is a group that Is made of individual stimuli and responses. These classes are

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observable and can be collected to get accurate data. However, there are differences between both of the classes. Stimulus class focuses on the effect on the target behavior; response is the effect on the environment (Cooper et al., 2020).

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References

Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson....