What is the primary focus of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) primarily focuses on designing and evaluating instruction based on behavior change. It is a scientific approach that uses techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive changes in behavior. ABA emphasizes the systematic observation and analysis of behavior in various environments, with the goal of understanding and improving the ways individuals learn and behave.

In ABA, behavior is viewed through the lens of its relationship with the environment; practitioners assess how different factors influence behavior and then develop targeted interventions designed to promote desirable behaviors while reducing those that are problematic. This approach involves ongoing evaluation to ensure that the intervention is effective, making it a dynamic and responsive method for influencing learning and behavioral outcomes.

In contrast, options that focus on assessing emotional states, implementing curriculum modifications, or collecting attendance data do not encapsulate the core of ABA. While these elements may play a role in the broader context of education or special education, they do not specifically address the foundational principles of behavior analysis aimed at direct behavior modification through structured interventions and evaluation.