Exploring the Field of Applied Behavior Analysis and Mentalistic versus Environmental Explanations

Unit 1 discussion 1
Exploring the Field of Applied Behavior Analysis
In this first unit, you are exploring the field of behavior analysis and the many applications of the science. To guide your discussion, conduct a job search for an applied behavior analysis position that is of interest to you. You can use a number of search strategies to find job listings. You can use search tools, such as Career Builder and Indeed, or use a search engine, such as Google or Yahoo to search the term “applied behavior analysis jobs.” Once you have had a chance to view a number of jobs, select one that most interests you. Save the web address or link to the job of interest.
For this discussion:
• In your own words, describe the field of behavior analysis.
• Identify the different populations that can be served by the science.
• Discuss the different career paths available in behavior analysis.
• Describe the type of position that is most interesting to you and explain why.
• Provide the web address or link to the job of interest.
Feel free to refer back to the Career Center’s presentation, What Can I Do With a MS in Psychology With a Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis?, for resources that provide great information about careers in Behavior Analysis.

Unit 1 discussion 2
Mentalistic versus Environmental Explanations
In this unit we discuss the terms mentalistic explanation and environmental explanation. Given your understanding of these, post a response to the following:

• Provide an example of a mentalistic explanation and an example of an environmental explanation.
• Compare the two explanations, describing how they are the same and how they differ.
• Why do behavior analysts avoid mentalistic explanations?
• How does avoiding mentalistic explanations help when modifying behavior?
• Describe a time that you have used an environmental explanation to analyze your own behavior.