Conceptually Systematic refers to one of the seven dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which requires that all interventions and procedures used in behavior analysis be rooted in, and explained by, the underlying principles of behavior. The interventions should be clearly tied to the basic concepts of reinforcementReinforcement is a fundamental concept in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and behavioral psychology. It refers to any consequence that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood that the behavior... More, punishment, stimulusStimulus is defined as any change in the environment or form of energy that affects an organism’s behavior or physiological state. Stimuli can be external or internal, and they can el... More controlControl in behavior analysis refers to the ability to influence or manipulate variables in a way that allows one to predict the occurrence or non-occurrence of behavior with a... More, and other behavioral principles, ensuring consistency and replicability across different contexts.
Example
In an ABA program designed to decrease a child’s tantrums, the behavior analyst might use differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) as the intervention. The procedure is conceptually systematic because it is based on the principle of reinforcement—reinforcing the child for behaviors other than tantrums. The intervention’s design and explanation directly relate to the concept of reinforcement (providing reinforcement for alternative behaviors) while withholding reinforcement for the target (tantrum) behavior. This clear connection between the procedure and behavioral principles ensures the strategy can be understood, replicated, and evaluated based on ABA’s foundational concepts.