Newsletter
Volume 30 | 2007 | Number 3
A Message from the President
By Dr. Janet S. Twyman
“The methods of science have been enormously successful wherever they have been tried. Let us then apply them to human affairs.”
-B. F. Skinneri
And let us apply them to the human affairs within organizations. This is a time of great change for the field of behavior analysis, for our science, our practice, our scientists and our practitioners. The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABA International) now has over 5,000 members, with nearly that many attending the 2007 annual convention in San Diego. Our affiliated chapters exceed 13,000 members across 31 U.S. and 27 non-U.S. chapters. Over 2,000 members make up our 29 special interest groups (SIGs), whose interests include education, clinical applications, sports, animal behavior, neuroscience, and many other important issues. Collectively we can shape the future of behavior analysis.
Figure 1. ABAI membership 2002 – 2007.
Shaping involves change. Change comes in many forms. For ABA International it comes in our sharp increase in membership since 2002 (Figure 1). It comes in the continued growth in convention submissions, each year more than the previous, to more than 1,600 for 2008 (Figure 2). It comes in increasing the number of journals we publish, and in what people present and write about. It comes in shifting employment opportunities, both in level of expertise and in type of service. It comes in the issues we as behavior analysts care about, both immediate and more distant. Issues like whether or not ABA International is doing enough to support science, to support applied work, to strengthen the field. Issues like whether or not ABA International will follow the same path as the American Psychological Association (APA) whose practice growth years ago contributed to a fracture within the organization and the formation of American Psychological Society (APS, now the Association for Psychological Science). These are pressing issues to our members and to the Association.
Figure 2. ABAI Convention Submissions 2002 – 2007.
We must continue to be one of the few organizations that can effectively support both its basic and applied sciences and its direct application, while continuing to build a robust theoretical base. Society gains tremendous benefit from the applications of a science of behavior, and we know that these applications require continued basic research and experimentation to diversify and advance. We endure only via the influx and discovery brought about by the scientific method. How do we preserve this and support our applications? Ideally, we should be having discussions about this, about a roadmap for the next ten years or more as a field. I’m pleased to report that we are, and that we need your help.
Issues Facing ABA International
Two primary areas comprise the issues ABA International and its membership face: Science issues and Practice issues. We must promote and strengthen our basic science. We all benefit from well-controlled experimental studies that, while not aimed at specific problems, provide the necessary knowledge and background for later applied research and eventually practice. Science requires tangible ABA International support. Additionally, we must recognize and sustain the burgeoning use of behavioral strategies and tactics in the real world and the extent to which behavior analysis can improve lives. We cannot underestimate the professional issues brought on by the growth of behavior analytic practice. We must promote and strengthen our applications. Practice requires tangible ABA International support.
To focus on the specific concerns of each of these two areas, ABA International has created two distinct new boards, a Science Board and a Practice Board. ABA International’s organizational structure is being modified to accommodate these Boards, and over the coming days, weeks, and months each Board’s objectives and activities will be further defined and fleshed out. We look forward to your input and participation in the shaping of the mission and activities of these Boards.
ABA International’s Science Board. Dr. Tim Hackenberg has agreed to be the interim Coordinator for this Board, which will assist the Association’s efforts on behalf of its science-oriented constituencies. Broadly speaking, the board will promote behavioral science in scientific and academic domains, address science and scholarly issues important to members and the public, and advocate on behalf of behavior science.
ABA International’s Practice Board. I have agreed to be the interim Coordinator for this Board, which will assist the Association’s efforts on behalf of its practice-oriented constituencies. Activities will focus on those relevant to practicing behavior analysts (certified or not) and consumers of behavior analysis procedures, with the goal of promoting exemplary behavior analytic practice in consumer, academic, and public domains. In addition, the newly approved Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG will aid in addressing the needs of our members directly involved in professional practice.
These two boards were established with the directive of preserving ABA International’s unique role of supporting theory and helping build and disseminate our basic science knowledge, while promoting effective applications of that science. To aid in this objective, ABA International will continue its collaboration with other science and practice organizations while forging new relationships.
Building Bridges: Collaboration with Other Organizations
ABA International’s association with other professional and scholarly organizations translates into increased recognition for the science and the field, and into direct benefits for our members. For example:
Federation of Behavioral, Psychological, and Cognitive Sciences. For over a decade ABA International has been a member of the Federation of Behavioral, Psychological, and Cognitive Sciences (www.thefederationonline.org), which collectively represents 22 organizations and the interests of scientists conducting behavioral, psychological, and cognitive research. The Federation focuses on legislative advocacy, education, and the communication of information to scientists, including a regular email of relevant news sent directly to ABA International members (Federation News). Each year we send a representative to the annual meeting, thus staying abreast of current issues and events; this year we participated in a special discussion regarding how the Federation can help foster new relationships between organizations and provide additional benefits and opportunities for member scientists (see “Federation” article in this newsletter).
American Psychological Association. The American Psychological Association (APA, www.apa.org) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology through publications, conventions, legislative lobbying, and other activities. At 148,000 U.S. members, APA is the largest association of psychologists in the world. Members of ABAI who also join APA qualify for a 25% professional courtesy discount in APA dues (see www.apa.org/membership/discountmem.html). Participating in APA can make a difference to behavior analysis. Because of APA’s size, scope, and legislative power, its actions are relevant to behavior analysis. It makes sense that behavior analysts influence APA as APA members.
Division 25. As a member of APA one can join Division 25, the Division of Behavior Analysis (www.auburn.edu/~newlamc/apa_div25). Division 25 furthers the interests of behavior analysis in a variety of ways, including hosting a highly regarded scientific program at the annual APA convention. Through its representation in APA governance, the Division provides input on most important APA decisions.
Association for Psychological Science. The Association for Psychological Science (APS, www.psychologicalscience.org) is the world’s largest organization of psychologists with an exclusive focus on science. As described in a recent e-mail to ABA International’s membership, the APS 2008 annual meeting will be held in Chicago and will overlap with our annual convention for two days. Through the extraordinary work of individuals in both organizations, we’re pleased to announce that registrants of one conference will be able to attend the other for free. This is a unique and remarkable opportunity to learn from each other and cross-pollinate ideas. ABA International and APS are continuing to work together to identify additional ways to make the most of the concurrent meeting location and dates. For more information, please see the APS article in this newsletter.
Society for the Quantitative Analyses of Behavior. The international Society for the Quantitative Analyses of Behavior (SQAB, sqab.psychology.org) was formed to present and publish material that presents a quantitative analysis for the understanding of behavior. SQAB holds its annual meeting just before ABA International’s, providing members with an array of sessions that focus on quantitative basic science and the use of mathematical formulations.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc. (BACB®, www.bacb.com) was established to meet the public need to credential professional behavior analysts and develop, promote, and implement a national and international certification program for behavior analyst practitioners. ABA International assists its certified members by offering a wealth of continuing education opportunities, both via its conferences and other venues.
Association of Professional Behavior Analysts. The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) is a new organization founded independently of ABA International, with the goal of working on behalf of needs of BACB-credentialed professional behavior analysts and practitioners. Upon learning of the organization’s formation, members of ABA International’s Executive Council met with representatives from the BACB and the newly formed APBA to begin to understand the new organization and open a dialogue on how the independent efforts of each of the organizations could be mutually beneficial for the field. It is our understanding much of APBA’s work will focus on legislative and other issues pertaining to certified behavior analysts. While currently no plans are definite, in the spirit of cooperation and the recognition of the specific needs of practice, we are exploring ways to work collaboratively.
Association for Positive Behavioral Support. This organization is home to more than 700 practitioners and scholars who focus on clinical and educational issues, including designing and evaluating interventions that operate at the level of large, complex systems. Their members have been very successful in exporting behavioral technology through governmental agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education and various state and local education systems. ABA International has begun discussions with APBS to explore ways to enhance mutual initiatives.
Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS, www.contextualpsychology.org/acbs) advances functional contextual cognitive and behavioral science and practice to alleviate human suffering and advance well-being. We look forward to building bridges and sharing opportunities with these and other organizations as we work towards strengthening the field and providing more opportunities to ABA International members.
Additional Efforts. To foster other relationships and generate opportunities for collaboration, ABA International hosts a “Leadership Luncheon” at the annual convention. Representatives from various organizations with similar missions or shared concerns meet over lunch to update each other on organizational happenings. Ideas for working together are often generated. Invited organizations span the science and practice areas, including many of those named above and others, such as: the American Association on Mental Retardation, APA Division 28-Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse, APA Division 33-Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, the B. F. Skinner Foundation, the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies, the Eastern Psychological Association, the International Society for Performance Improvement, and the Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.
Fulfilling ABAI’s Mission
ABAI’s primary mission is to develop, enhance, and support the growth and vitality of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice. The activities, events, and materials ABAI provides and supports in furtherance of its mission continue to expand, including:
Supporting Existing SABA Awards and Grants. The Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis (SABA) provides annual awards for Distinguished Service to Behavior Analysis, International Development of Behavior Analysis, Effective Presentation of Behavior Analysis in the Mass Media, Enduring Programmatic Contributions in Behavior Analysis, Public Service in Behavior Analysis, and Impact of Science on Application. With ABA International’s support, SABA also provides annual grants to support research and development in behavior analysis, including the International Development Grant, two Experimental Analysis of Behavior Fellowship Grants, two Sidney W. and Janet R. Bijou Fellowship Grants, and multiple Student Registration Grants. At their recent fall meetings, both the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis (SABA) and ABAI Councils approved new awards to support research and strong scholarship.
Graduate Research Grant. To further promote exemplary graduate research, SABA and ABA have established a Research Endowment Fund for long-term development of doctoral dissertation and master’s thesis research. Beginning in 2009 ABA will award two Doctoral Dissertation grants of $1000 each and two Master’s Thesis Research Grants in the amount of $500 each. These grants will be funded by ABA until the endowment fund reaches a goal of $100,000. SABA and ABA are pleased to provide these grants as a method of supporting high quality scholarship and graduate level research. Look for more information on these grants and the fund in upcoming communications from ABAI.
Division 25 Translational Research Award. SABA and ABA recently approved the sponsorship of an American Psychological Association (APA) Division 25 (Behavior Analysis) award. This award, approval by APB Division 25, will be called the ABA-International Don Hake Translational Research Award and would assume the role of the current Don Hake Basic/Applied Research Award—to recognize exemplary work that highlights, exemplifies, or promotes the unification of basic research and application. Division award recipients are invited speakers at the APA annual convention, and the award is announced in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, the American Psychologist, and Division publications and communications. SABA and ABA are pleased to sponsor this award as a means to proactively support outstanding scholarship, and to do so in a venue outside of SABA’s own awards. Nominations for the annual award are strongly encouraged and should be made directly to Division 25 (http://www.auburn.edu/~newlamc/apa_div25/awards.htm).
Publishing Journals, Newsletters, and Other Materials. ABAI currently publishes two scholarly journals: The Behavior Analyst (TBA), which is free with ABAI membership, and The Analysis of Verbal Behavior (TAVB) which can be purchased by individuals or institutions. A third journal, Behavior Analysis in Practice (BAP), is in development. Individual dissemination of TBA is increasing with membership, and it is a testament to the journal’s health that institutional subscriptions have been holding steady (between 170-180) for almost 10 years. Institutional subscriptions to TAVB have also been holding relatively steady (currently near 100) while individual subscriptions have climbed to over 650 during the last 6 years. We expect dissemination and citations of ABAI’s journal to increase, partly due to recent long-range initiatives.
Online Access to ABA Journals. A little over two years ago, ABA began the process of making its journals electronically available to the public. This is a lengthy, detailed process that requires tagging, reviewing, correction, further review, and final agreements. Volumes from both TBA and TAVB are currently undergoing the competitive process for acceptance into PubMed Central. PubMed Central, maintained by the National Institutes of Health, is the U.S. National Library of Medicine's digital archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature and provides free access to the full text of journal articles. We are hopeful that TBA Volume 29(1) and TAVB Volumes 21 and 22 will be available online in the near future. Earlier issues of both journals will be posted as the process is completed and they become part of the PubMed database.
Yet another value of PubMed Central is the opportunity to access data from diverse sources in a single repository. A user can quickly search an entire body of full-text articles and locate relevant material regardless of its source. ABA publications will be integrated with the literature from a variety of other journals and information resources, such as sequential and factual databases. Non-ABA member scientists, scholars, and clinicians will have easy and relevant access to publications from our field.
Behavior Analysis in Practice. ABA International’s newly created journal will promote empirically validated “best practices” in an accessible format. The objective of the journal is to describe what’s been empirically found to work, and to address the challenges of implementation in real-life settings, and will included empirical reports describing the application and evaluation of behavior-analytic procedures and programs; discussion papers on professional and practice issues; technical articles on methods, data analysis, or instrumentation in the practice of behavior analysis; tutorials on terms, procedures, and theories relevant to best practices in behavior analysis; and critical reviews of books and products that are aimed at practitioners or consumers of behavior. We anticipate the spring 2008 inaugural issue to be available at the annual convention in Chicago in May.
Providing Conferences and Other Specialized Events. ABAI hosts its multi-day, multi-track annual convention in North America, and hosts highly successful, well-attended conferences outside the U.S. approximately every two years (e.g., Venice, Italy in 2001; Campinas, Brazil in 2004; Beijing, China in 2005; Sydney, Australia in 2007; and Oslo, Norway in 2009). In addition, ABAI hosts smaller, topical or focused events based on the needs and interests of members. Recent examples include the workshop “How to Obtain Federal Funding for Behavior Analysis Research” (February 2005, Chicago) and a think tank on “Metacontingencies and Cultural Analysis” (August 2005, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil). The single-track, multi-day conference, “Progress and Challenges in the Behavioral Treatment of Autism” (February 2007, Boston) far surpassed attendance expectations and was so well-received (especially by new behavior analysts and laypersons) that ABA International is hosting a second autism conference, “Issues and Recent Advancements in the Behavioral Treatment of Autism: Practical Strategies for Changing Behavior at Home and School,” in February 2008 in Atlanta, GA. More information can be found at www.abainternational.org/autconf.
Evidenced-based Education Conference. Also based on current wide-spread interest and behavior analysis’ relevance in the area, ABA International will be hosting a two-day, single-track conference on evidence-based educational effectiveness in September 2008 in Reston, VA. The purpose of this event is to educate (inform the audience of federal initiatives for evidence-based education; the application of scientific research methods and the current knowledge base; existing effective empirically-based practices; and how behavior analysis as a science can inform and assist the current mandate), exchange information (identify important findings and critical gaps in the research knowledge of educational effectiveness, including how effective programs are designed, developed, tested, implemented, and revised), and build coalitions and coordinate activities (develop the community of educational professionals interested in research on educational effectiveness; provide a catalyst for broadening ABA membership participation in publications and presentations on educational effectiveness). Look for more information on this conference on our website and in upcoming communications.
Special Events at the 2008 Annual Convention. Our continuing convention growth requires additional space, and ABA International has contracted with the historic Blackstone Hotel (located across a side street from the Chicago Hilton) to provide additional meeting rooms for 2008. Many of our Behavioral Pharmacology and Experimental Analysis of Behavior sessions will be held in the newly remodeled Blackstone, which played a key role in hosting early ABA conventions. The Blackstone will provide an intimate setting for many of this year's basic science presentations, and will be the local for many of the sessions fitting our special theme for this year’s convention, Celebrating and Expanding our Scientific Foundations.
The designation of this theme gives us the opportunity to call out an array of sessions that reflect to our scientific foundation and offer extensions to areas of science and application. The program book will highlight further events that reflect where behavior science has been and where we are going, including a keynote event “State of the Science” sponsored by ABA International’s Science Board. In this noteworthy session, Edmund Fantino will be speaking on choice and conditioned reinforcement, Tony Nevin on stimuli, reinforcers, and private events, Murray Sidman on reflections on stimulus control, and Travis Thompson on behavioral and mirror neuron mechanisms in self-awareness.
Another exciting event for the 2008 annual convention is the Presidential Scholar: Renowned University of Chicago economist Gary S. Becker, whose groundbreaking work on the economic underpinnings of socially important behaviors earned him a 1992 Nobel Prize, a 2000 National Medal of Science, and a 2007 Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dr. Becker's research contribution extends the domain of economic theory to human behavior. His research program is based on the premise that the behavior of an individual adheres to fundamental principles and should be applicable in analyzing highly diverse aspects of human behavior. His explanatory model is based on the assumption that “individual agents - regardless of whether they are households, firms or other organizations - are assumed to behave rationally, i.e., purposefully, and that their behavior can be described as if they maximized a specific objective function, such as utility or wealth” (from http://home.uchicago.edu/~gbecker/Nobel/nobel.html).
So why write about all of this? Why provide an account of what ABAI has done and will do? Because this is about behavior analysis, it’s about the behaviors that make up our organization. This is about the noble pursuit that is behavior analysis, what it means to so many, and why we must go forward with our science and its applications, no matter what forces pull at us. How many of us remember the exact moment we realized the parsimony of behavior science (our individual behavioral epiphany)? Why is it that so many of us are able to name, and practically recite the book(s) that crystallized it for us? Remember that feeling of discovery, of excitement, of eager anticipation about what this great science can do. Arrange contingencies and the environment around you to continue to experience those feelings; engage in the behaviors that keep you and others active within our field, in ABA International, and in partner organizations that support the science of behavior.
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It's not."
-Dr. Seussii
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iSkinner, B.F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. New York: The Free Press.
iiSeuss, Dr. (1971). The Lorax. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers.