Behavior Analysis is the scientific study of behavior. Behavior Analysts ask, Why does a behavior occur? They seek answers by looking at the environmental factors that trigger the occurrence of the behavior.  Many behavior analysts do experimental behavior analysis. Others specialize in applying behavior change principles to natural environments to enhance the quality of life of their clients.

Applied Behavior Analysis focuses on behaviors that impact a person's well-being, health, happiness, interpersonal relationships or community inclusion. It is based on many years of research into behavior, its causes, and techniques for changing behavior. It is essentially a positive-reinforcement system that creates desired behaviors by breaking them down into small, logical steps. Applied Behavior Analysis is fully recognized by the American Psychological Association as a valid science. ABA is considered to be a contributing division to psychology and other disciplines.

The primary practitioners are Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). To earn this certification, a practitioner must earn a master's degree or PhD, complete a period of supervised field experience and coursework hours, an pass a national certification examination (see http://bacb.com for more information).

Over the past 60 years, applied behavior analysis has become recognized as the treatment of choice for behavior problems associated with mental retardation, autism-spectrum disorders, brain injury, and other disorders. Many people also recognize that applied behavior analysis is capable of producing remarkable results in classroom learning.