Applied Animal Behavior
Contact Info
- Jennifer Sobie
- Kalamazoo, MI
- Phone: (616) 340-4266
- SIG News (April 2007)
Mission/Objectives
The Applied Animal Behavior SIG brings together individuals who specialize in or have an interest in the application of behavior analysis to the appreciation, understanding, and management of animal behavior across species in applied settings. The AAB SIG has three primary purposes: 1) To promote behavior analytic research and the exchange of scientific information in the area of animal behavior and behavior therapy with animals in applied settings; 2) To advocate for and promote high standards in the application of methods and techniques of behavior change with animals in applied settings; and 3) To support and promote excellence in the education and research practices of individuals dedicated to behavior therapy and management of animals in applied settings.
Description of Membership
Membership of the Applied Animal Behavior SIG is diverse and includes academicians, researchers, and practitioners from a variety of disciplines dedicated to, affiliated with or interested in animal behavior and/or behavior management or behavior therapy with animals in applied settings. We welcome new members who share our interest in animal behavior and applied behavior analysis.
Annual or Recurring Events
The Applied Animal Behavior SIG sponsors several events during the annual meeting of the Association for Behavior Analysis InternationalTM, including organization of on-site observation of applied behavior analysis practices at local animal facilities and a SIG poster at the ABA Expo. The AAB SIG also offers an annual student research award in honor of Marian Breland Bailey; this competition is open to all graduate and undergraduate students presenting their research during the convention.
Newsletters/Publications
The AAB SIG publishes a yearly newsletter in April focusing on SIG events and topics of interest. The newsletter includes a schedule and brief summary of applied animal behavior-related presentations at the annual meeting of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, as well as minutes from the most recent business meeting (May of the previous year).
Specifically of Interest to Behavior Analysts
Animal behavior is a field recognized to require an extensive knowledge of species-specific ethology. However, animal behavior change and problem animal behavior treatment requires the addition of a complete and academically supported awareness and understanding of the principles of behavior analysis and the application of these principles in applied settings. The AAB promotes empirically verified applications of behavior analysis in animal behavior change treatments, and actively promotes the application of behavior analysis to applied animal behavior therapy.