Common Misconceptions in ABA:
1) Behaviorism neglects the role of thoughts, emotions, and genetics in behavior
2) ABA ignores the uniqueness of the individual
3) ABA advocates for punishment as a method of behavior change
4) ABA eliminates free will
Misconception 1:
Behaviorism neglects the role of thoughts, emotions, and genetics in behavior
The Inner World of Motivation and Emotion
There is room in a behavioristic analysis for a kind of knowing short of action and hence short of power. One need not be actively behaving in order to feel or to introspectively observe certain states normally associated with behavior. To say, "I know a sea lion when I see one,” is to report that one can identify a sea lion but not that one is now doing so” (Skinner, …show more content…
It does not help in the solution of a practical problem to be told that some feature o fa man's behavior is due to frustration or anxiety; we also need to be told how the frustration or anxiety has been induced and how it may be altered (Skinner, 167).
Misconceptions I believe exist because of the lack knowledge and people just don’t know they are wrong therefore continuing a cycle.
If I had a client come in with the misconception of behaviorism, I would first understand the fact that they have little or no knowledge of Behaviorism. Second, I would try to help them in their understanding of the theory. I would try to teach them as much as possible and or provide them with literature or books that we can both go over. Lastly, I would answer all questions to the best of my ability and ask them questions to gauge their understanding of it all. Hopefully, having an openness of learning together will ease the clients concerns and give them the knowledge that they need to overcome the misconception.
There are nine steps in a self-management plan:
1. Make the decision to engage in