ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses applied behavior analysis, its methods and data recording. It explains contingency management of drug abstinence and explores the impact of behavior analysis in teaching and education. The chapter describes the Applied Behavior Consultants (ABC) program for the treatment of autistic behavior. It focuses on the obesity crisis and behavior management of eating and body weight. The chapter describes the evidenced-based research on contingency management, drug dependence, and addiction. Behavior therapists and applied researchers are committed to a scientific analysis of human behavior. Applied behavior analysis involves two major areas of research which entail the application of operant and respondent principles to improve human behavior. Applied behavior analysts focus on the observable behavior of people and other animals in non-laboratory settings. Multiple baseline designs demonstrate experimental control and help to eliminate alternative explanations for behavior change. Contingency management has been extended to the treatment of other socially important problems.
