The seven dimensions of behavior help behavior analysts impact their clients through effective and research-supported interventions. Baer et al. (1968) shares the seven dimensions of behavior: generality, effective, technological, applied, conceptually systematic, analytic, and behavioral.
Generality refers to generalization of behaviors and skills. A behavior analyst helps clients generalize their new behaviors/skills through multiple people, natural settings, and times.
Effectiveness means interventions produce change in behaviors. Interventions are researched-proven to change behaviors, such as increase communication responses.
Technological focuses on interventions clearly-written, so people understand the purpose of them for clients. Interventions are written and explained clearly in detail for behavior analysts and RBTs to replicate for their clients.
Applied is about implementing interventions. Behavior analysts and RBTs apply interventions for clients based on their individual needs.
Conceptually systematic refers to interventions being research-based and representing principles of ABA for clients. Interventions are in place based upon behavior principles.
Analytic is about making decisions from data collections of interventions. Behavior analysts make important decisions about continuing certain interventions or not for clients, based on data collection.
Behavioral means behaviors being observable and measurable. Behavior analysts observe, record, and measure behaviors, in order to create interventions for their clients.
By applying the seven dimensions of behavior, it allows behavior analysts to provide effective therapy and create more meaningful changes in their clients’ lives. Do you believe in the seven dimensions of behavior? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
Reference:
Baer, D., Wolf, M., & Risley, T. Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1(1), 91–97.