What is the science in which tactics derived from behavioral principles are applied to improve socially significant behavior?

• A. Applied Behavior Analysis
• B. Experimental Analysis of Behavior
• C. Behaviorism
• D. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Answer: (A)

This item tests your understanding of the science that applies behavioral principles to improve socially significant behavior. Applied Behavior Analysis fits this description because it takes principles like reinforcement, extinction, and shaping and uses them to design interventions that produce meaningful, real‑world changes in behavior. It relies on data and ongoing measurement to show that the changes are actually taking place and to guide adjustments. The other options don’t fit as the described science: the Experimental Analysis of Behavior focuses on basic laboratory research rather than applying findings to real-world behavior; Behaviorism is a broad philosophy about studying observable behavior, not a specific applied discipline; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a therapeutic approach that combines cognitive and behavioral techniques, but it’s not the scientific field dedicated to applying behavioral principles to socially significant behavior.