• Cooper, Heron, and Heward (1987) define ABA as follows:
  • "Applied behavior analysis is the science in which procedures derived from the principles of behavior are systematically applied to improve socially significant behavior to a meaningful degree and to demonstrate experimentally that the procedures employed were responsible for the improvement in behavior." (p. 14)
  • In Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968), the authors examined six dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis, these dimensions still hold true today.
    • Applied: The work of an applied behavior analyst must address problems important to "man and society rather than theory".
    • Behavioral: Applied behavior analysis must be pragmatic and address measurable behavior
    • Analytic: Applied behavior analysis attempts to address the maintaining variables of behavior (observed directly or systematically identified)
    • Technological: The techniques used in applied behavior analysis are completely identified and described.
    • Conceptual system: The procedures used by an applied behavior analyst are both technologically precise and can be explained in behavioral terms.
    • Effective: Successful application of applied behavior analysis technology has practical value.
    • Generality: Applied behavior analysis uses techniques and procedures that produce lasting change in behavior that occurs in varied settings
  • Howard Sloane's "What is Behavior Analysis?"