ABA on Call

Science depends not simply on discovering an effect, but on demonstrating that the effect can be observed again. In this episode of ABA on Call, Rick and Doug examine replication as a cornerstone of scientific knowledge and explore psychology's well-known replication crisis. They discuss why direct and systematic replication matter, how statistical significance and publication bias can fuel misplaced confidence in research findings, and what happened when researchers tried to reproduce influential psychological effects such as ego depletion and power posing. To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the knowledge check to generate your certificate! Don't forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review. Show Notes: Replication crisis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Replication_crisis Power Posing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc

In this insightful episode of ABA On Call, Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz tackle some of the most commonly misunderstood and misapplied concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis. From the mislabeling of reinforcement to the confusion between negative reinforcement and punishment, the hosts explore why technical accuracy matters and how misunderstanding core terms can derail effective practice. Using real-world stories, data interpretation, and even a behavioral lightning round, the episode clarifies foundational concepts like prompting, fluency, task analysis, motivation, and generalization. Whether you're a student, a supervisor, or a seasoned BCBA, you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for precision in both language and application. To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification to generate your certificate! Don't forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review.

The science of behavior has a lesser-known but powerful framework that draws inspiration from physics - behavior dynamics. In this episode, we discuss core concepts such as force, mass, and acceleration as they relate to behavior change, illustrating how behavior is not static but constantly in motion. While valuable, we highlight how traditional steady-state logic can limit our understanding in applied settings, especially where control is minimal. The discussion emphasizes the value of acceleration, bounce, and replication logic as valid indicators of experimental effects through examples from precision teaching and historical insights from Skinner. This episode challenges listeners to reconsider what constitutes strong evidence and invites a broader, more dynamic perspective on data-driven decision-making in practice. To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification to generate your certificate! Don't forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review. Show Notes: Cooper, J. O. (2005). Applied research: The separation of applied behavior analysis and precision teaching. In W. Heward, T. Heron, N. Need, S. Peterson, D. Sainato, G. Cartledge, R. Gardner, L. Peterson, S. Hersh, & J. Dardig (Eds.), Focus on behavior analysis in education: Achievements, challenges, and opportunities (pp. 295–303). Pearson. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40617-020-00482-3 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1901/jeab.1992.57-249

In this episode, we explore the scientific perspective on free will—or the lack thereof. Is human behavior truly a matter of personal choice, or is it shaped by biological, environmental, and cultural factors? We dive into an article discussing neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky's book Determined, which argues against the existence of free will. His conclusions align with behavior analytic principles that emphasize reinforcement and contingencies as the true drivers of behavior. We also examine the broader societal implications, from criminal justice to education, and discuss the importance of compassionate, data-driven approaches in understanding and supporting individuals—rather than blaming them for their actions. To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification to generate your certificate! Don't forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review. Show Notes: Scientist, after decades of study, concludes: We don't have free will

In the season finale of ABA On Call, hosts Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz dive into the critical role of graphs in applied behavior analysis. They examine common pitfalls in graph construction and their implications for data interpretation and decision-making. The episode highlights best practices for creating effective, accurate visual data representations that enhance communication and uphold scientific integrity. With a focus on improving graphing standards, this episode helps ABA practitioners ensure their visual analyses accurately convey the stories their data tell. To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification to generate your certificate! Don't forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review.

In the October 2024 episode of "ABA On Call," hosts Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz engage in an insightful conversation with Kathy Fox, principal of Morningside Academy. Kathy discusses the unique model of Morningside, a lab school in Seattle that integrates behavior science, precision teaching, and direct instruction to support students who are behind academically or in learning skills. She shares the challenges of working with students who have had negative school experiences and the importance of reshaping their perceptions of learning. The discussion highlights the critical role of staff training and the innovative Morningside Teacher's Academy, where educators and behavior analysts learn to implement the Morningside model through intensive summer programs. Kathy also emphasizes the power of measurement and coaching in supporting both students and teachers, making behavior change more manageable and sustainable in educational settings​ To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification to generate your certificate! Don't forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review. Show Notes https://www.amazon.com/Response-Intervention-Precision-Teaching-Classroom-ebook/dp/B00HQ09IG4?ref_=ast_author_dp https://morningsideacademy.org/

In this episode of ABA On Call, Doug Kostowicz Ph.D. BCBA-D and Richard M. Kubina Ph.D. BCBA-D delve into B.F. Skinner's novel Walden Two. They explore the book's depiction of a utopian society guided by behaviorist principles, discussing its implications for contemporary behavior analysis. The hosts offer a balanced perspective, recognizing the book's controversial reception and its significance in understanding the potential scope and limitations of behavior analysis in shaping human environments. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the novel's ideas and contribute feedback for future discussions. To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification to generate your certificate! Don't forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review. Show Notes References and Resources: Dinello, D. (2019). Children of men. Author. https://doi.org/10.504/9781800850576 Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Macmillan. Skinner, B. F. (1948). Walden Two. New York: Macmillan.