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...
Jun 26, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 6
In this episode of ABA On Call, Rick and Doug dissect the behavioral science behind app design, revealing how tech companies use variable reinforcement schedules to hijack user behavior and drive compulsive engagement. Drawing from core principles of behavior analysis, they explore how seemingly harmless interactions, such as likes, swipes, and notifications, are systematically engineered to reinforce usage patterns. The conversation moves beyond theory into the ethical minefield of digital desi...
May 30, 2025•32 min•Season 7Ep. 5
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 acceler...
Apr 30, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 4
In this episode of ABA On Call, we kick off our new series, They Got It Wrong, by dissecting the legacy of Sigmund Freud and his controversial theory of psychoanalysis. Despite its historical influence, Freud’s work was built on untestable assumptions and speculative reasoning rather than empirical science. We contrast his approach with the rigorous methods of behavior analysis, highlighting the importance of falsifiability, experimental validation, and data-driven interventions. Along the way, ...
Mar 13, 2025•35 min•Season 7Ep. 3
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 ...
Feb 14, 2025•35 min•Season 7Ep. 2
The Season Premier of ABA On Call, explores the complex phenomenon of cheating from a behavioral perspective. The concept of cheating is explored through various real-world examples, including academic dishonesty, professional sports scandals, and personal relationships. Grounded in the principles of reinforcement and rule governance, the episode highlights the contingencies that maintain cheating behaviors while addressing the broader cultural and systemic factors at play. The discussion unders...
Jan 08, 2025•40 min•Season 7Ep. 1
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 practitione...
Dec 04, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 11
This episode explores pivotal concepts in behavioral research inspired by the seminal text "Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research." Key topics include a critical examination of the "Null Hypothesis Game," the challenges of defining and measuring behavior using operational definitions, and the importance of focusing on environmental variables over internal causes. The discussion emphasizes scientific rigor and practical insights for behavior analysts, offering valuable perspectives for en...
Nov 18, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 10
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 importanc...
Oct 22, 2024•32 min•Season 6Ep. 9
This episode of ABA on Call features Dr. Bobby Newman discussing his book "First Responders and People Diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum: What Each Needs to Know About the Other." Dr. Newman explores the challenges faced by first responders when interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum and provides strategies to improve these interactions. The discussion covers common misunderstandings, the importance of training for both first responders and individuals with autism, and resources avai...
Sep 17, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 8
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 environme...
Aug 13, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 7
This podcast episode explores the application of ABA in school settings with expert DeMuesy, MEd, BCBA, COBA. The discussion covers the evolving roles of BCBAs in schools, from Tier 3 interventions to broader Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports. Ron shares his experiences and strategies for working effectively with school staff and administrators to implement behavior analytic practices. Practical insights for behavior analysts aiming to work in educational settings are highlighted. To earn CEUs for list...
Jul 17, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 6
In this episode of ABA On Call, hosts Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz answer listener questions about precision teaching and reinforcement strategies. They discuss practical solutions for common challenges faced by behavior analysts, such as difficulties in reaching fluency criteria and ensuring effective use of reinforcers. The episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for behavior analysts looking to improve their practice. To earn CEUs for listening, click here , log in or sign u...
Jun 11, 2024•36 min•Season 6Ep. 5
This episode of ABA On Call features Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz discussing the book "Misbelief" by Dan Ariely. The conversation delves into the psychological and behavioral underpinnings of why rational people believe irrational things, exploring various conspiracy theories and the impact of social media on spreading these beliefs. The hosts emphasize the importance of compassionate care and understanding when addressing individuals dominated by misbeliefs. This course offers valuable insigh...
May 23, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Exploration of the mind from a behavior analytic perspective, contrasting with broader psychological views. Discussion includes theoretical considerations and practical implications for behavior analysts. 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: Gray, P. (2011). Psychology (6th ed.). Worth ...
Apr 18, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 3
In this engaging episode of ABA On Call, Manny Rodriguez, DBA, BCBA delves into the rich field of Organizational Behavior Management, offering valuable insights on enhancing workplace performance, employee training, and the influence of leadership through behavior analysis. This conversation not only illuminates OBM strategies but also provides practical applications for behavior analysts looking to extend their practice into organizational settings. To earn CEUs for listening, click here , log ...
Mar 28, 2024•40 min•Season 6Ep. 2
The Season 6 Premiere of ABA On Call, led by Rick Kubina, Ph.D. BCBA-D and Doug Kostowicz, Ph.D. BCBA-D explores Skinner's major contributions to behavior analysis measurement, focusing on rate of response and the cumulative response recorder. It emphasizes the role of these concepts in understanding and applying behavior analysis effectively, highlighting the significance of standardized measurements and visual displays for meaningful behavioral data interpretation. To earn CEUs for listening, ...
Jan 23, 2024•32 min•Season 6Ep. 1
This episode explores critical thinking and the evaluation of scientific claims, with a focus on the book "Nonsense on Stilts." The discussion delves into the demarcation between hard and soft sciences, the credibility of experts, and the application of these concepts to behavior analysis. 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 revi...
Dec 20, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Join Dr. Tim Fuller in this enlightening episode of "ABA On Call" as we break down the fundamentals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its practical applications in behavior analysis. 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 1. Harris, R. (2019). ACT made simple: An easy-to-read primer on acce...
Dec 07, 2023•45 min•Season 5Ep. 11
In this episode of ABA on Call, Dr. Rick Kubina and Dr. Doug Kostewicz dive deeper into the topic of stimulus control. They discuss the theoretical foundations, practical implications, and historical context of stimulus control in behavior analysis. Through engaging discussions and examples, listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal concept in the field of behavior analysis. To earn CEUs for listening, click here , log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance...
Nov 03, 2023•35 min•Season 5Ep. 10
This podcast episode explores the potential of games to support neurodiverse populations. We define games and discuss their essential attributes. Examples are provided of how games have been successfully incorporated into ABA therapy for autistic individuals to build skills and engagement. We discuss the future possibilities for the nexus of games, and AI to create adaptable, empowering experiences uniquely suited to different neurotypes. Researchers see promise in using data-driven, personalize...
Sep 21, 2023•41 min•Season 5Ep. 9
In the present podcast, we dive deep into the intriguing interplay between artificial intelligence and applied behavior analysis (ABA). In today's conversation, we're joined by a leading technologist Dave Stevens. We explore how A.I. might reshape the landscape of behavioral interventions. From tailored ABA programs powered by predictive algorithms to data-driven insights enhancing treatment plans, A.I. could amplify the precision and effectiveness of behavior analysis. We also discuss potential...
Aug 23, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In this episode, we look at the transformative power of behavior analysis positioned as a selection science, in tackling prevalent educational issues. Drawing upon the profound insights from the article, "Breaking the Structuralist Barrier", we discuss the principles of selectionism and explore how the principles have been actualized in the Morningside Model of Generative Instruction, a behavioral program with remarkable results on adult literacy and children's learning and attention issues. We ...
Jul 27, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Cognitive psychology and the Cognitive Load Theory are explained through a behavior-analytic perspective. Cognitive Load Theory posits that working memory has a limited capacity, much like a bucket that can only hold so much water before it overflows. But how does the theory fare when we delve into it through the lens of behavior analysis? In the conversation, we discuss the behavior-analytic interpretations of cognitive load, offering insights into how our environment and learning experiences c...
Jun 27, 2023•35 min•Season 5Ep. 6
"The Steep and Thorny Way to a Science of Behavior" by B.F. Skinner presents a fascinating exploration of the challenges and importance of developing a science of behavior. Skinner discusses several challenges in developing a science of behavior such as digression (defined as the tendency to get sidetracked from the study of behavior by other fields such as philosophy or theology). Additionally, Skinner raises questions about the nature and location of the observer or "knower" in relation to the...
May 17, 2023•34 min•Season 5Ep. 5
The podcast features two professors from the University of Pittsburgh who are using their unique experiences to help people who are blind and have visual impairments. The guests share stories about their journey with disability and discuss how they use their skills and knowledge to assist those with visual impairments of blindness achieve independence. We discuss challenges faced by those living with blindness and low vision and how ABA can help (and how those with an ABA background can contribu...
Apr 18, 2023•33 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Respondent conditioning, also known as classical conditioning, is a type of learning where an unconditioned response becomes associated with a neutral stimulus and acquires the ability to elicit a response like that of the unconditioned response. Today, respondent conditioning is used in various fields, including psychology, education, and marketing. In psychology, it is used to treat anxiety disorders, phobias, and other emotional disturbances. In education, respondent conditioning is used to h...
Mar 15, 2023•34 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Science could be described as the search to understanding variability. Variability shows up in graphs and charts shows the analyst different features of the behavior. From stability to variability, understanding the sources of control and the degree to which a behavior varies is a key to understanding environment-behavior relations. The standard celeration chart permits an analyst to quantify variability as well as see it in a different light when compared to a visual display on a linear graph. ...
Feb 15, 2023•34 min•Season 5Ep. 2
One of the hallmarks of visual analysis is trend. Trend refers to the direction of data as it changes across time. A trend line is often superimposed on a data set which behavior analysts then interpret. However, if the data are placed on a standard celeration chart a trend line is transformed to a celebration line. The celeration line quantified how fast a behavior is changing. The quantified line allows an objective evaluation of not only the direction but the precise numeric growth or decay r...
Jan 19, 2023•35 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Most behavior analysts use a linear graph, meaning it has equal intervals on the horizontal and vertical axis. Ratio graphs have equal intervals on the horizontal axis but a multiple/divide axis on the vertical axis. The ratio graph permits the quantification of all behavior change features. For example, level can be quantified with different means (e.g., arithmetic, geometric) or medians. When placed on a ratio graph the metrics then can be examined with a view to ratios and multiple/divide cha...
Dec 14, 2022•35 min•Season 4Ep. 10
