Center for Behavioral Research and Services
The Center for Behavioral Research & Services at Rowan University promotes the science of applied behavior analysis through education, research, and service to individuals, families, and organizations at a local, regional, and national level. Currently, our service component of the mission is under development; however, the faculty may consult with individuals and agencies.
Why is the field called behavior analysis?
The term "behavior analysis" was coined by B. F. Skinner, generally considered the founder of behavior analysis. The term was meant to distinguish the field as one that focuses on behavior as a subject in its own right, rather than as an index or manifestation of something happening at some other level (in the mind, brain, psyche, etc.).
Skinner believed that thinking and feeling were covert forms of behavior. “Thoughts and feelings do not explain behavior,” he wrote, “they are more behavior to be explained.”
Skinner thought that the concept of mind belonged to the philosophers, and that science should focus on behavior. These ideas form the core of behavior analysis today.
If thoughts and feelings do not explain behavior, what does?
Behavior analysts make the assumption that all behavior is the product of two kinds of variables: biological and environmental.
Biological variables include anatomical structures (birds can fly, people can’t), normal physiological processes (digestion, respiration, neurological changes resulting from experience), and anomalies in anatomy and physiology due to injury or disease. Genes influence behavior indirectly through their effects on anatomy and physiology.
Environmental variables include any changes in the environment (a rise in temperature, the availability of food, comments by other people, cultural customs).
Behavior analysts are primarily interested in the role of environment in behavior change.
Check out the latest issue of our newsletter
Our website contains a lot of interesting information about the Center for Behavioral Research and Services, career and employment opportunities, as well as regional and national news that affects the practice of behavior analysis. Below, we provide orientation to and navigation of the website. Please enjoy.
The Navigation Links on the left panel of the webpages will assist you in navigating around our site. Below is a brief description of what each link contains.
Coursework: Rowan University offers three coursework programs in applied behavior analysis:
News and Advocacy: Information about Rowan events and other newsworthy stories. Check out the story on legislation for autism--please help support the ATAA bill!!
Upcoming Events: Information about regional workshops and continuing education events, student meetings, fundraising events and other events related to applied behavior analysis.
Research: Information about the programs of research at Rowan.
SJ ABA Network: Information about meetings of the South Jersey ABA Network and local agencies.
Students/Alumni: Employment opportunities, Rowan Reinforcement Record Newsletters, and information about how to become certified as a BCaBA or BCBA
Links: Links to professional organizations, online journals and other resources for the profession of ABA
Staff: Information and contact information for Center faculty and staff
Contact Information:
Telephone:
856-256-5470
E-mail: abacenter@rowan.edu
Location: Robinson Hall, First Floor
If you have comments or suggestions about this website, please contact the webmaster.
Page revised
11/11/09
Center for Behavioral Research & Services •abacenter@rowan.edu•856-256-5470
