Presidents Column: Highlights from the 50th Annual Convention – What a Night!

By Kent Johnson

What a whirlwind of a convention we experienced in the great city of Philadelphia this past May! So many presentations were superlative, and the celebrations of our 50th anniversary on Sunday night hit the spot. Let me recount for you some of the highlights.

Many members came early to learn from each other about their areas of expertise. On Thursday afternoon and all-day Friday, 70 workshops presented procedures, analyses and tips about important aspects of the basic, applied, and conceptual work in our field. Topics ranged from supervision and ethics to practice and laboratory techniques, all across our 14 areas of inquiry: Applied Animal Behavior; Behavioral Pharmacology and Neuroscience; the Experimental Analysis of Behavior; Philosophical, Conceptual and Historical Issues; Education; Teaching Behavior Analysis; Community, Social and Sustainability Issues; Organizational Behavior Management; Clinical, Family, and Behavioral Medicine; Behavioral Development; Verbal Behavior; Developmental Disabilities; Autism; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. And as usual, the Society for the Quantitative Analysis of Behavior (SQAB), offered more workshops, tutorials, and paper presentations as well from Thursday through Monday.

On Friday evening our Student Committee hosted a trivia contest, with questions and prizes testing knowledge about the history of behavior analysis. They also hosted an International Reception, chaired this year by Dr. Deisy De Souza from the Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos in Brazil. Our ABAI Student Committee also hosted a Professional Development Series throughout the convention that included 17 events pertinent to our science and services.

The convention launched on Saturday morning as usual with one of my favorite events: the awards given by our not-for-profit arm, the Society for the Association of Behavior Analysis, SABA for short. Each year SABA celebrates our members’ accomplishments in five areas. SABA President Dr. Ruth Anne Rehfeldt presided over the awards and speeches, making very thoughtful and encouraging comments to each speaker in turn. Dr. Jay Moore from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee was this year’s recipient for the award for Distinguished Service to Behavior Analysis. He described the importance of operant contingencies in understanding both verbal and non- verbal behavior and described Skinner’s parallel between natural selection in biology and selection by consequences in a science of behavior. Dr. Jomella Thompson from the University of Kansas was this year’s recipient for our award for Scientific Translation. Her presentation focused on the importance of fostering broader application and adoption of our science through a collective commitment to multi- sector collaboration and engagement with diverse scholars, practitioners and communities. She cited her work in youth violence prevention to illustrate such work.

Dr. Demot Barnes-Holmes from Ulster University in Northern Ireland received our award for International Dissemination. He urged behavior analysts of different persuasions to curtail our divisions, cooperate and communicate better together, and develop new ways to collaborate. He illustrated such a process by recounting the exchanges between Willard Day and Murray Sidman, published in Sidman’s, Equivalence Relations: A Research Story. Drs. “Doug” Greer and Jessica Singer-Dudek accepted the Enduring Programatic Contribution award for their acclaimed program at Columbia Teacher’s College.

Dr. Greer described their Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS) model of education which has spawned hundreds of dissertations and theses and has trained educators in many countries around the world. And finally, Dr. Stuart Vyse received the award for Effective Presentation of Behavior Analysis in the Mass Media. He described how he learned to be a better writer, and what inspired him to write about behavioral science to a general audience.

Saturday continued with symposia, panels, paper sessions, B.F. Skinner lectures from non-member professionals, and tutorials. For two hours, members also presented 202 posters in clusters representing 14 subareas of behavior analysis. Each year the 2-hour poster sessions provide me with the most efficient and effective way to keep abreast of all the fine work that currently engages we behavior analysts. I’d like to see more and more posters in the future. I find them as important and entertaining as the other types of presentations we offer.

I attended a very informative and entertaining Special Event called The Story of ABAI, with 4 presentations by ABAI veterans. Humor, inspiration, and many fine points characterized each one. Dr. Maria Malott, CEO and Executive Director of ABAI began with An Inside Perspective on ABAI. She described the growing pains, conflicts and successes in the development of ABAI over her 30 years as Executive Director. Dr. Carol Pilgrim from the University of North Carolina—Wilmington then described The ABAI Mission. She stated the mission, “to contribute to the well-being of society by supporting, developing, and enhancing the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis,” then analyzed it point by point, emphasizing the importance of each facet for our continued success and impact.

Next, Dr. Linda Hayes from the University of Nevada—Reno gave a retrospective on our conventions over the past 50 years, titled simply, The Program. She examined the identity of our science of behavior and how it has changed over time, as revealed by the progression of convention programs we published over the past 50 years: their changes in topical areas, submission procedures, speaker invitations, and other administrative actions. Dr. Michael Perone from West Virginia University concluded the symposium with his perspective on Higher Education and the Future of Behavior Analysis. He described our accreditation system, the challenges it faces today, and the importance of accreditation for our future.

Saturday presentations ended with my Presidential Address, entitled, Designing Effective Instruction to Teach Micro-credentials … Or Any Instructional Objective. I described a new vehicle for recognizing skill expertise in behavior analysis: the micro-credential. I also described many procedures from the field of instructional design that would be useful in teaching an instructional objective leading to a micro-credential.

A micro-credential is an award based on proof that an individual has mastered a specific observable and measurable skill, and can demonstrate competent, mastery-level performance of that skill on demand. Proof could be demonstrated by a short video of the individual demonstrating the performance, a written document, a recorded audio presentation, or other performance-based demonstration depending on the micro-credential. A micro-credential is represented as a digital image or badge that includes the earner’s name, the mastered skill, the assessment method, the date of the achievement, and the awarding entity.

I also announced that members of an ABAI-accredited academic program in Tier 1 of our Model of Education are eligible to apply for the first round of grants of up to $10,000 to design micro-credential programs for foundational skills in the science and practice of behavior analysis. Subsequent rounds of grants will occur was we get our bearings with the first one.

To get you thinking about possibilities, our ABAI Task Force on Micro-credentials has cooked up 5 examples from applied behavior analysis: (1) conduct a reinforcement preference assessment, (2) modify contingencies to reduce consumption of non-renewable energy, (3) design a Precision Teaching program for a specific skill, (4) conduct an organizational training needs assessment, and (5) conduct an Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) interview with an adult client. Here are 2 examples from the Experimental Analysis of Behavior: (1) shape behavior of a non-human animal, and (2) fit a curve using equation from quantitative theories of behavior to appropriate
data sets. Here are 2 examples about research behavior: (1) measure behavior using X software system, and (2) modify possible confounding variables related to a given experiment designed to answer a question about behavior. And here are 2 examples of philosophical and conceptual micro-credentials: (1) compare and contrast radical behaviorism, methodological behaviorism, and teleological behaviorism and (2) identify antecedents & consequences in naturally occurring streams of behavior in written scenarios, natural observations, videos and films.

Grant proposals could describe either an assessment process, or an instruction-plus-assessment process.
Instructional proposals should include (a) an asynchronous skill assessment, (b) a learning module, and (c) optional additional practice-with-feedback activities. Instructional programs must take a mastery learning approach, with an option for an individual to “test out” without participating in the learning program. The designer of the micro- credential will always be its sole owner. Even if ABAI provides grant funding, ABAI will never claim any ownership. To apply, go to our application form at on-line
application form at saba.abainternational.org/development/ micro-credential-grant-application/

Applications will be accepted until August 16th.

Fourteen business meetings followed my address, where Special Interest Groups, affiliated chapters, and journal editors convened to discuss important specific functions within ABAI. The evening concluded with our annual Expo Session, where university programs, state and national associations, and other formal professional groups provided literature about their programs and activities.

Sunday continued in Saturday’s format, with symposia, panels, paper sessions, B.F. Skinner lectures, and tutorials.

Of special note to me was a symposium called The Development of Behavior Science, hosted by Dr. Linda Hayes. Three leaders in our science described three areas of theory, research and application that have flourished in behavior analysis. Dr. William “Billy” Baum described a revolutionary, molar view of behavior and its development, explaining how environmental inputs interact with evolution to produce behavioral outcomes, and how evolutionary theory can be used to explain verbal, social, and cultural behavioral phenomena. His molar view questions the adequacy of understanding behavior in terms of discrete responses, contiguity and reinforcement.

Dr. Sigrid Glenn then discussed the development of culturo-behavior science. She began by describing Skinner’s operant interpretations of real-world phenomena in which he parallels the evolution of species through natural selection with the evolution of cultural environments through selection by consequences. Inquiries based on Skinner’s interpretation have either focused on straightforward applications of behavior principles to everyday phenomena, or on more philosophical refinement of the framework. She suggested that we could profit by more integrations of these two types of inquiries.

Finally, Dr. Dermot Barnes-Holmes described how the study of derived stimulus relations has given us better footing in understanding complex human behavior functionally, particularly human language and cognition. He traced this development from Skinner’s analysis in his book, Verbal Behavior, to Skinner’s concept of instructional control, to Sidman’s research on stimulus equivalence, to relational frame theory and its current conceptual and empirical refinements. He called for building more bridges across different theoretical perspectives within broader behavior science. Following the symposium an enlightening panel discussion of the presentations, hosted by Dr. Mitch Fryling, ensued, with Dr. Claudia Drossel from Eastern Michigan University, Dr. Matthew Lewon from the University of Nevada—Reno, and Dr. Rocio Rosales from the University of Massachusetts—Lowell.

Another symposium that caught my attention showcased scholarly contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion.The winners of a DEI paper competition presented their works. Menaka Kumari De Alwis from the University of Oregon described how BIPOC can apply behavior systems analysis to identify areas of need that can have the greatest impact on a university. Changzhi Wu from the University of Nevada—Reno offered a radical behavior analysis of the formation and maintenance of racism, and possible solutions that can be implemented to reduce it. Finally, Sarah Hayes from Durham Public Schools and Dr. Jeannie Golden from East Carolina University described their work in applying behavior analysis to improve equity for students of color by reducing diagnoses of behavior disorders.

Sunday afternoon proceeded with two hours devoted to 198 more posters presenting important work across all our areas of inquiry, and 4 hours devoted to more symposia, panels, paper sessions, B.F. Skinner lectures from non- member professionals, and tutorials.

On Sunday evening we celebrated ABAI’s 50th anniversary. Many veteran ABAI members enjoyed a Gala Dinner with speakers. Members also attended our traditional reunions. This year they were all stationed in the Grand Hall, and featured music, drinks, and snacks. People then flowed from the reunions to a larger, exciting social gathering MC’ed by Dr. Ruth Anne Rehfeldt (ABAI Past-President) and me. We kicked off the celebration with a slideshow on the history of ABAI presented by Dr. Richard Malott. Then Ruth Anne and I engaged the audience with music trivia questions about songs that topped the charts in each decade of our 50-year history. Participants guessed the titles, artists, and other facts about the songs, and danced to the hits!

Monday continued in Saturday’s format, with more symposia, panels, paper sessions, B.F. Skinner lectures, and tutorials. For two hours we were also treated to 194 more posters. In addition to 13 events throughout the convention that focused on sustainability issues, the highlight of Monday for me was an invited symposium followed by the Presidential Scholar Address on climate change. The symposium, titled Increasing the Impact of Behavior Science on Climate Change, was hosted by President Dr. Chris Newland from Auburn University. He described how research by behavior scientists culminated in the clean air act of 1970 and showed how this work of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a model for how governmental policies and procedures can be guided by science to work for the greatest good for its citizens. Dr. Brett Gelino from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine then described how two areas of research by behavior analysts concerned with sustainability can impact and extend our effects in local communities: discounting and operant demand. He also offered suggestions to better integrate small-sample and behavioral economic designs to impact community policies.

Dr. Anthony “Tony” Biglan from the Oregon Research Institute then described his work with Andrew Bonner from Florida State University on the development of community Action Circles. Tony’s organization, Values to Action, pro- vides a networking function to support individuals who are interested in working on projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, individuals develop Action Circles of people with the same interests to carry out their projects. Join in! Dr. Susan Schneider from Western Michigan Uni- versity concluded the symposium by discussing the problem of scaling behavioral solutions to climate change. Having
a successful intervention is only the first step in large-scale change. She enlightened us with best practices in the field of implementation science that analyze both the contingencies and meta-contingencies involved in scaling.

Following the symposium, Mr. Bill McKibben provided Following the symposium, Mr. Bill McKibben provided an inspiring and enlightening Presidential Scholar’s Address Board for arranging
on efforts to reverse the damage we are doing to our climate. Bill is an author, educator and environmentalist who helped found the infamous 350.org. He discussed the depths of the crisis surrounding global warming, the comparative role of individual versus group solutions to that crisis, and the roles of different demographics involved in achieving solutions. McKibben recently helped found Third Act to build a progressive organizing movement for people over the age of 60. He inspired me to join both 350 and Third Act!

Such a good convention! Especially important to me in addition to the fine presentations were the personal exchanges that I experienced with other members. Having attended 49 of the 50 conventions, beginning as a graduate student, I have grown up as a person and a professional with many other members, and really look forward to my annual face-to-face contacts. I encourage each of you to attend as many conventions in a row as you can to experience this important aspect of career development and wisdom. I always return home each year with renewed vim and vigor.

I want to give my very special thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our Program Board Coordinator, Dr. Mitch Fryling, and Program Committee Chair, Dr. Linda Hayes. Coordinating hundreds of volunteers is no small matter! And how could we omit the Program and Convention Manager, Dr. Maria Malott! Nothing we enjoyed would have occurred without their fine creative and organizational prowess.

I also want to announce our new Executive Council members, President-Elect: Dr. Mark Galizio of the University of North Carolina—Wilmington, Applied Representative: Dr. Alice Shillingsburg of the Munroe-Meyer Institute—UNMC, and At-Large Representative: Dr. Mitch Fryling of California State University—Los Angeles.

I also hope you can join us for the Theory & Philosophy Conference (Perspectives on Behavioral Complexity) in October! The conference will be held at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, Illinois on October 28th and 29th. There will be four clusters of invited presentations in Evolution & Neuroscience, Cultural Systems, Symbolic Processes, and Computational Modeling. There will also be posters submitted by ABAI members that address a variety of topics in the theory and philosophy of behavior analysis.

See you all in Chicago in October and Washington, D. C. next spring!

Thank you to our amazing Program Board for arranging such an exceptional lineup of speakers for the 2023 Annual Convention.

2024 ABAI program Board:

Mitch Fryling, Ph.D. Program Board Coordinator
Linda Hayes, Ph.D. Program Committee Chair Kent Johnson Council Liaison

Program Area coordinators
Erica Feuerbacher and Mindy Waite
Applied Animal Behavior (AAB)

Regina Carroll, Kim Zonneveld, and Yanerys Leon
Autism (AUT)

Kieva Hranchuk and Jennifer Bruzek
Behavioral Development (DEV)

August Holtyn and Eric Thrailkill
Behavioral Pharmacology and Neuroscience (BPN)

Amanda Munoz-Martinez and Alison Cox
Clinical, Family, Behavioral Medicine (CBM)

Kathryn Roose and Brett Gelino Community, Social, and Sustainability Issues (CSS)

Patrick Romani and Adam Briggs
Developmental Disabilities (DDA)

Elizabeth Fong and Jovonnie Esquierdo-Leal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Samantha Riggleman and Jessica Van Stratton Education (EDC)

Marco Vasconcelos and Darlene Crone-Todd
Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB)

Sharlet Rafacz and Denys Brand
Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)

Caio Miguel and Andres Garcia-Penagos
Philosophical, Conceptual, and Historical Issues (PCH)

Claudia Drossel
Practice (PRA)

Jonathan Pinkston
Science (SCI)

Daniel Fienup and Kerry Milyko
Teaching Behavior Analysis (TBA)

Rocío Rosales and Alice Shillingsburg
Verbal Behavior (VRB)

Thank you to our invited speakers for their insightful presentations that greatly enriched our conference experience.

Applied Animal Behavior:
Niwako Ogata
Mindy Waite
Autism
Mohammed Aldosari
Amy Lutz
Aoife McTiernan
Tim Vollmer

Behavioral Pharmacology and Neuroscience:
Sally Huskinson
David Jentsch

Clinical, Family, Behavioral Medicine:
T. V. Joe Layng
Robert Nicolson
Mavis Tsai

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