ABA (applied behavior analysis) is based on scientific methods and is founded on 7 core dimensions (Baer, Wolf, Risley, 1968). This means that all interventions that are provided through ABA services should fall within these 7 categories. This is important to ensure that the interventions are supported by research, that the interventions are effective and socially significant, and that interventions are closely monitored to ensure consistent progress or to provide support for modifications to the interventions if a previously implemented intervention hasn’t found to be effective for a particular client.
According to BehaviorBabe, the 7 dimensions of ABA can be remembered with the acronym, “Get A Cab.” See below for a list of the 7 dimensions as described by BehaviorBabe as well as a video which provides an example of using the 7 dimensions in ABA practice.
GET A CAB
1.Generalization: skills/behavioroccur in environments other than where they were discretely taught
2. Effectiveinterventions are monitored to evaluate the impact on the target behavior
3.Technologicalprocedures are described clearly and concisely so that other may implement accurately
4. Appliedsocially significant behaviors are selected
5.Conceptually Systematicinterventions consistent with principles demonstrated in the literature
6. Analyticdecisions are data based
7. Behaviorobservable and measurable behaviors are targeted
For more information on ABA principles, check out Cooper, Heron, & Heward, “Applied Behavior Analysis.”