Every behavior tells a story, and behavior analysis helps us read it.
Behavior analysis is more than just understanding why people do what they do.
It’s a science that helps us take what we observe and turn it into action.
Every technique, assessment, and strategy in ABA is built around three main goals:
to describe, predict, and control behavior.
These goals form the foundation of how we collect data, make decisions, and create meaningful change in clinical practice and in everyday life.
Whether you’re studying for the BCBA Exam or just starting your ABA journey, mastering these three goals will help you think like a behavior analyst and apply science with purpose.
Describe — Defining Behavior Clearly
Before we can understand or change behavior, we first need to describe it accurately.
This means using objective, measurable language that focuses on what can be seen or heard — not what we assume someone feels or intends.
Instead of saying, “The client was frustrated,” a behavior analyst might describe:
“The client crossed their arms, looked away, and stopped responding for 30 seconds after being given a difficult task.”
This kind of description helps everyone, from therapists to families, interpret behavior in the same way. It’s the first step toward reliable data collection and effective intervention.
Predict — Finding the Patterns
Once behavior is clearly defined, the next step is to predict it.
Behavior analysts look for patterns in what happens before the behavior (the antecedent), what happens after (the consequence), and how those variables interact.
This is known as the ABC model of behavior, and it’s one of the most important concepts to understand when preparing for the BCBA exam.
For example:
If a student receives verbal praise each time they raise their hand, the likelihood of that behavior increases over time.
That’s prediction in action.
By identifying relationships between behavior and environment, we can anticipate future behavior and plan strategies to prevent challenges before they happen.
If you’re reviewing this concept, check out these helpful reads:
- The ABCs of Behavior: Understanding Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence
- ABA Data Collection Methods Explained
Both connect theory to real-world practice and will strengthen your understanding of behavior patterns.
Control — Creating Meaningful Change
The final goal of behavior analysis is control, applying what we know to change behavior in positive, ethical ways.
In ABA, control doesn’t mean manipulation. It means adjusting environmental conditions so that new, more adaptive behaviors are more likely to occur.
For instance:
A teacher might use a token system to reward students who complete assignments.
Over time, students learn that finishing their work earns reinforcement, which increases motivation and success.
This is what makes behavior analysis so powerful: it connects data with action.
When done ethically, control allows practitioners to promote independence, communication, and skill growth in every client they work with.
To dive deeper, explore these useful reads:
Why These Goals Matter
When you combine description, prediction, and control, you move from just watching behavior to understanding it and from understanding to changing it for the better.
That’s what makes ABA so unique. It’s not just about what people do, but about what we can learn, measure, and improve through consistent practice and data-driven decisions.
Observation without action is information.
Observation with understanding is a transformation.
If you’re preparing for your BCBA exam or looking to strengthen your ABA skills, explore our growing library of study resources or join our Path4ABA Study Group to connect with a supportive community of learners just like you.
