Where ABA Fits: Philosophy, Research, Practice, and Exam Prep
You’re studying ABA. But what exactly are you studying?
Is it a science?
A profession?
A philosophy?
Yes… and no.
ABA doesn’t stand alone. It’s part of a bigger framework—one the exam expects you to understand.
Four Layers of the Field
Let’s start with the big picture.
ABA is one piece of a larger system of behavior analysis that includes:
| Domain | What It Is | Focus |
| Behaviorism | The philosophy of behavior science | All behavior is lawful and observable |
| EAB (Experimental Analysis of Behavior) | Basic research in controlled settings | Discovering behavioral principles |
| ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) | Applied science of behavior change | Solving real-world problems |
| Professional Practice | The delivery of services | BCBAs applying ABA principles with clients |
Each layer builds on the previous one.
Together, they form the foundation for your certification and your future practice.
Behaviorism: The Philosophy
This is the why behind the science.
Behaviorism says behavior is:
- Observable
- Influenced by the environment
- Predictable and changeable through scientific methods
It rejects internal explanations (like “willpower”) and focuses on what we can measure and influence.
This is the lens you bring into every assessment and intervention.
EAB: The Research Lab
Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) is where we discover the principles of behavior.
In highly controlled environments, researchers study:
- Reinforcement schedules
- Stimulus control
- Motivating operations
- Response patterns
These discoveries are usually made with animals (like pigeons or rats) because their environments can be precisely controlled.Think of EAB as the research engine that powers everything else.
ABA: Science in Action
Applied Behavior Analysis takes those research principles and puts them to work in human settings:
- Clinics
- Schools
- Homes
- Workplaces
ABA focuses on socially significant behaviors, like:
- Language development
- Academic readiness
- Independent living skills
- Safety and cooperation
The key is application: ABA tests what works, measures outcomes, and adjusts based on data.
This is the domain you’re primarily training in.
Professional Practice: The Work of BCBAs
You can study ABA without being a BCBA.
But professional practice begins when you apply ABA with clients—ethically and effectively.
Professional practice includes:
- Following BACB guidelines
- Writing treatment plans
- Supervising staff
- Maintaining clinical records
- Navigating funding and family dynamics
This domain adds a layer of responsibility and real-world complexity to your ABA knowledge.
How to Practice These Distinctions
Start using this 4-layer model in your study sessions:
- When reviewing a principle, ask: Was this discovered in EAB?
- When designing an intervention, ask: Does this reflect applied behavior analysis?
- When discussing ethics, ask: Am I stepping into professional practice territory?
- When describing your field to others, ask: Does this align with behaviorism?
Being able to navigate these levels will sharpen your understanding—and your exam answers.
Takeaway
ABA doesn’t exist in isolation.
It’s one part of a full system built on:
- Philosophy (Behaviorism)
- Discovery (EAB)
- Application (ABA)
- Delivery (Professional Practice)
Understanding each layer helps you:
- Answer trickier exam questions
- Explain your field clearly to others
- Practice ABA with confidence and precision
Related Concepts from the Test Content Outline
Coming Up Next: Defining Applied Behavior Analysis
Next week, we’ll return to the foundations and ask a deceptively simple question:
“What is applied behavior analysis?”
Turns out, your answer has to be more precise than you think—especially on the exam.
The Learning Behavior Analysis Team