World’s Behavior Analysis day is observed every year on March 20. It is a day for us to reflect on our behavior and think of what makes us behave the way we do. Behavior analysis studies how biological, experiential, and pharmacological factors influence the behavior of human beings. The study of behavior analysis has been useful to the analysts in helping to address socially important behavior such as healthy eating, drug-taking, education, and treatment of developmental disabilities such as autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The goal of behavior analysis is to improve on what works positively for us and alleviate problematic behaviors.
History of World Behavior Analysis Day
The day that was formerly known as National Behavior Analysis Day was transformed into World Behavior Analysis Day to observe the science behind behavior analysis on a global scale. March 20 was chosen to celebrate the birthday of B.F. Skinner, who was the founder of the science of contemporary behavior analysis. Skinner was a psychologist and behaviorist and he had a theory that changes in behavior are a result of an individual’s response to the events that occur in the environment. An individual is conditioned to respond to events in a particular way when a certain stimulus-response pattern is reinforced.
Another major researcher in the history of Behavior analysis is Ivan Pavlov. He was also a psychologist and was well-known for teaching dogs to salivate at the sound of an arbitrary stimulus. Over the years behavior analysts have focused more on applied behavior analysis (A.B.A.), which is a type of behavior analysis that uses scientific means to develop procedures that will produce observable changes in behavior.
The beginning of A.B.A. can be linked to Teodoro Ayllon and Jack Micheal’s study, ‘The psychiatric nurse as a behavioral engineer’ in 1959, which they published in ‘The Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. ‘ Micheal and Ayllon were using the principles of operant conditioning to teach the nurses and staff at a psychiatric hospital how to use a token economy for patients with schizophrenia and intellectual disability. This led the researchers at the University of Kansas to start the journey of Applied Behaviour Analysis (JABA) in 1968.
World Behavior Analysis Day timeline
The famous psychologist who is popularly referred to as the “Father of behavior analysis” is born on March 20.
John B. Watson's famous article “Psychology as the Behaviorist View It” establishes behaviorism as a major school of thought.
Lovaas publishes a series of articles that outlines his system for coding observed behaviors.
Behavioral analysis is recognized as a treatment for autism spectrum disorder.
World Behavior Analysis Day FAQs
What is the goal of behavior analysis?
The goal is to help individuals improve on behaviors that are helpful and reduce harmful behavior.
What are the three types of behavior analysis?
The three types of behavior analysis are — behaviorism, experimental analysis of behavior, and applied behavior analysis.
Who is the “Father of behaviorism?”
John B. Watson is considered the “Father of behaviorism.”
How to Observe World Behavior Analysis Day
Volunteer at a psychiatric hospital
Behavior analysis is used by psychologists to understand and help people with mental disorders. When you visit a psychiatric hospital, you will also be able to use the knowledge to help the people that need it.
Do research on behavioral analysis
Psychologists over time have conducted a ton of research on the topic. You can get their publications to educate yourself more on it.
Educate other people
You can spread the word to your family and friends that it is World Behavior Analysis Day. Educate them on the benefits of behavioral analysis.
5 Facts About The Human Mind That Will Blow Your Mind
The brain is mostly water
The brain is made up of 73% of water and it weighs only three pounds.
The brain slows down
On average, the brain starts to slow down at about age 24.
Short attention spans
The average human has an attention span of 12 minutes, which is even shorter than that of a goldfish.
Memories form in the womb
A fetus starts to have a memory as early as four months into pregnancy.
The brain uses a lot of oxygen
The brain uses approximately 20% of the body’s total oxygen.
Why World Behavior Analysis Day is Important
It can help people with autism
Behavior analysis can be used to help children with autism improve their communication and social skills. It can also help to reduce difficult behavior like aggression and screaming.
It improves positive behavior
When a professional behavioral analyst applies the techniques of behavior analysis on an individual, it can help to improve his positive behaviors. This even includes skills such as language.
It decreases problem behaviors
Behavioral analysts can help to improve positive behaviors. They can also help to eliminate negative behaviors such as aggression.
World Behavior Analysis Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 20 | Saturday |
| 2028 | March 20 | Monday |
| 2029 | March 20 | Tuesday |
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