Association for Behavior Analysis International

Are you interested in making a meaningful contribution to the field and gaining experience as a reviewer for any of ABAI’s journals? Being a reviewer is not only a service to the field, but also helps to develop and sharpen your familiarity with the nuances of the publication process, and stay connected to current developments in the field. ABAI’s journal editors are interested in broadening the base of reviewers who serve on their editorial boards and who serve as guest reviewers. This panel of editors will highlight the important implications of being a reviewer by discussing the critical features of this role. This will include a set of guidance on how to write constructive, thorough, and complete reviews. In many ways, the quality of peer review impacts the reputation, and success of academic journals. The panel will also highlight the importance of this type of experience for professional development, and scholarly contribution to the science of behavior.

Research is pivotal in advancing the field of behavior analysis. For graduate students, learning to writing for publication is often viewed as a cornerstone of academic growth. Scholarly activities include first conducting high quality research and learning to effectively convey research findings to disseminate in peer-reviewed journals. This panel discussion will delve into the nuances of writing for behavior analytic journals. Well-known mentors and researchers will share invaluable insights into learning to write for publication, including essential elements that are required for crafting successful journal submissions. Panel members will speak from the perspective of mentors who teach graduate students scholarly writing as well as expectations for publications from the perspective of the journal. This event aims to empower graduate students and researchers by providing a roadmap for accessing publication opportunities and generating high quality written work suitable for dissemination within the field of behavior analysis. Through these discussions, attendees will be better equipped with the knowledge needed to craft high-quality writing to fit for the purpose of publication within the field of behavior analysis.

Intermediate audience: currently enrolled or recently graduated graduate student that is learning how to write for publication

This panel discussion is intended for practicing BCBAs who are interested in returning to graduate studies as a full-time student or seeking additional education while still working full-time. The panelists will consist of a current student working professionally in an online applied behavior analysis Ph.D. program, the Director of an applied behavior analysis Ph.D. program, and a full-time student in a computer science Ph.D. program. The panel will provide an overview of what to expect when entering online or in-person doctoral studies. It will also provide an opportunity to learn about what a behavior analyst has experienced in a different field of study. Enrolling in graduate school is a significant commitment in terms of time and money. It is recommended that any prospective student, especially those who have been working professionally, be informed on what to expect in doing so. Panelists will provide tips and strategies, from their own experiences, in identifying what sort of program may best fit one’s needs and how to thrive if accepted.

Within the field of behavior analysis there is an abundance of research on assessing and treating severe problem behavior, but a lack of application in clinical practice. ABA community providers have grown expansively, but many providers are unable to meet the needs of consumers that require intensive services to treat severe behavior. Lack of training, difficulty obtaining insurance authorization and reimbursement, and inadequate clinic structures or resources are some of the factors that impact this shortage. Recently, there has been widespread discussion regarding this substantial healthcare crisis for this vulnerable population. While these conversations are imperative in bringing light to this area of need, the dissemination of effective practices for individuals with severe problem behavior is a necessary step to remedy this scarcity. We must guide existing practitioners and assist with establishing new programs that address this need and improve outcomes for individuals who engage in severe problem behavior. This panel seeks to deliver guidance for current and future practitioners on the various service delivery models for individuals who engage in severe problem behavior to promote integration within the community.

The ethics of researching and applying aversive control has recently been the subject of intense discussion amongst professional communities. The use of behavioral interventions that involve aversive control may, however, be unavoidable. Three of the four basic operant contingencies (i.e., negative reinforcement, positive and negative punishment) involve events that are empirically defined as aversive. That is, these behavior-environment relations involve events which either suppress behavior that leads to the contingent delivery of those events (punishment), or which maintain behavior that postpones or reduces the occurrence of those events (negative reinforcement). Moreover, there is evidence that positive reinforcement can sometimes establish escape from those contingencies as a negative reinforcer. Thus, behavioral interventions that are nominally based upon positive reinforcement may also have aversive properties. The ubiquity of aversive contingencies regulating behavior, both socially mediated and otherwise, calls for a thoroughgoing understanding of the effects of those contingencies. Recent controversy over the use of aversive control, particularly those involving contingent electric shock, in application and research has called into question the future of research on aversive control. The panel will discuss ways to advance our understanding of aversive control, whether more research is needed, and whether aversive control can be studied and applied ethically.

As we celebrate the milestone of ABAI’s 50th Annual Convention, the rapid advancement of the science of behavior – past, present, and future – is worth discussing. Three panelists have been selected for their unique contributions in ABA, representing a variety of interests, scopes, expertise, and experiences to offer within this presentation. The panel will highlight the contributions of contemporary researchers seeking to understand the panelists' perspectives on how advancements in basic, translational, and applied research have facilitated the development of the field at large. Specifically, we will discuss pivotal moments in the history of ABA and how these advancements helped shape current research methodology and practice. We also seek to critically review the current structure and functioning of the field, including relevant successes and failures, and identify future directions for growth and development. Finally, each panelist will reflect upon their predictions for the future of applied behavior analysis as an association, discipline, and profession. The panel will conclude with a discussion of how to prepare for the future, including necessary enhancements to education and training programs for young and aspiring behavior analyst.

Public engagement and outreach models have gained popularity in other professions such as health care and education. However, the majority of practicing behavior analysts have received little to no formal training on how to effectively connect with the public. Practitioners and researchers are increasingly recognizing the need to expand outreach and enhance engagement to disseminate applied behavior analysis research, debunk misconceptions, and promote practical applications. This panel assembles three experts in the field of behavior analysis who engage in community outreach and engagement efforts. They will discuss how to effectively communicate research to the public, engage with media, and connect with broader audiences to help academics and practitioners become influential. This may include connecting with parents, educators, policymakers, or the broader community. Through a diverse range of experiences, the panel aims to inspire practitioners and researchers to bridge the gap between academia and the public. The information shared will be a valuable resource for enhancing public awareness and fostering meaningful collaborations that advance the field of behavior analysis.

After rigorous doctoral training, newly minted doctoral-level professionals are eager to take on the challenge of changing the world with behavior analysis! But, where and how do they start? There are a range of career and training options available to graduates, such as post-doctoral fellowships and positions focusing upon research, clinical practice, academia, and beyond. With so many avenues for their next career step, doctoral students approaching graduation may have questions about opportunities, preparation for life post-graduation, and tips or tricks for success. This panel will seek to provide insights into the opportunities available to doctoral-level professionals and strategies for success post-graduate school. Three doctoral-level professionals with behavior analytic training or coursework who have recently embarked on their careers post-graduation will provide insight based on their perspectives and lived experiences. This panel will discuss post-graduation paths across a variety of career opportunities within and outside of academia, clinical practice, and research.

Traditionally, multidisciplinary work between behavior analysis and varying fields has been limited due to the fundamental features of our science. Behavior analytic principles, methodologies, and interventions are traditionally developed to accommodate the individual, which means topics that involve large group analysis and intervention are rarely addressed. An example of this is the minimal amount of research that has been done in the broad area of public health, as the domain that addresses the population's health as a whole. Drs. Traci Cihon's, Jay Shulz's, and Crystal Slanzi's works in the area of public health highlight the contribution of Behavior Analysis that, however, needs to be expanded and strengthened. This panel will discuss our role as behavior analysts in public health spaces, where behavior analytic principles, methodologies, and interventions can be adapted and modified to successfully integrate the large population health systems already in place. Ideally, by attending this professional development series, there will be the opportunity to further your knowledge of research and career opportunities available to behavior analysts outside of traditional basic and applied spaces, as well as explore what it looks like to attempt to penetrate a field that may challenge our ways of perceiving scientific endeavors.

As behavior-analytic researchers, publication of empirical findings should rely upon consistent application of ethical recommendations and guidelines. Within behavior-analytic research, transparent adherence to the Ethics Code and best practice may be essential aspects of the field’s acceptance and advancement within society. As a result, reporting practices related to individualized and effective treatment that prioritize a participant’s wellbeing and autonomy may be important to report in behavior-analytic research. Researchers may need to consider potential outcomes of reporting ethical practices that pertain to contextual elements becoming more culturally relevant within society. A participant’s identity and community may call for additional ethical factors to be considered that could potentially impact experimental and intervention-based choices. During the publication process, the decision to report such considerations may raise certain challenges which involve maintaining a participant’s confidentiality and concise description of experimental elements. While standard and idiosyncratic limitations exist to reporting ethical practices, the dissemination of ethical and culturally responsive actions may generate further understanding and integration of such methods. This panel seeks to contribute to the conversation regarding the potential limitations and advantages to reporting ethical practices related to the Ethics Code and shifting cultural considerations.