Behavioral Analyst
The popular television show Criminal Minds has put a spotlight on the occupational field of behavioral analysis. Much like with other shows that center around real-life people and events, there is always some truth and some fiction. The truth is behavioral analysts are not just a group of individuals that jet-set around the country solving cases and putting away bad guys. There is much more to the study of behavioral analysis than is portrayed on television.
Behavior analysis is simply the science of behavior. With an extensive history dating back to the early 20th century, “its guiding philosophy is behaviorism, which is based on the premise that attempts to improve the human condition through behavior change will be most effective if behavior itself is the primary focus” (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2021, para. 1). In 1913 John B. Watson formally introduce behaviorism. His main goal was to be able to predict a stimulus response and the response to a stimulus. At the time, many felt that the study of behaviorism would depersonalize psychology because the study shifted to the scientific aspects instead of relying on self-reported consciousness. (Lawson et al, 2017).
In 1998, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board was established. It is the first national organization to certify behavioral analysts and technicians. Currently, there are more than 56,000 certified behavior analysts. To become a behavioral analyst, you must have a master’s degree in psychology with a specialization in applied behavior analysis. There are also more than 109,000 certified behavioral technicians. Certified behavioral technicians only require a high school diploma. (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2021).
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has a Behavioral Analysts Unit (BAU) that specializes in analyzing “the behavior of violent criminals and the pattern of crimes so that they can be prevented in the future” (FBI BAU, 2021, para. 1). In 1985 the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime was established in the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit. Its mission is to assist in investigations with local law enforcement agencies by providing operational support with research and training. (Behavioral Analysts, 2021). Behavioral Analysts study the pattern of crime through information that comes from law enforcement agencies regarding the different crimes and psychologists that give information about the psychology of criminals based on their criminal studies. The BAU focuses primarily on violent criminal behavior. However, there are three other subunits of the BAU that focus on counter-terrorism/threat assessment, crimes against adults, and crimes against children. (FBI BAU, 2021).
Becoming a Behavioral Analyst takes a lot of training and hard work both inside of the classroom and out. There are three ways to become qualified to work for the BAU. The first is to serve as an FBI agent and get the work experience needed. The second is to join as a scientist, having done major coursework study such as a master’s in psychology. The third is to join the BAU as support staff by providing academic research. (FBI BAU, 2021). The FBI’s Behavioral Analysts Unit joins the world of psychology and the world of criminal justice to help make America a safer place for all.
References:
Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2021, May 21). About the BACB. https://www.bacb.com/about/
Behavioral Analysts. (2011, May 2). Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/audio-repository/news-podcasts- Inside-bau-profilers.mp3/view
FBI BAU. (2021, February 7). Criminal Justice Jobs. https://cjusjobs.com/fbi- bau/
Lawson, R. B., Anderson, E. D., & Cepeda-Benito, A. (2017). A History of Psychology (2nd Edition). Taylor & Francis. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781351846875
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Question 
Review the following scenarios and indicate which kind of reinforcement procedure you would employ. Be sure to justify your answers with the literature, as it is possible that there can be more than one possible answer for one or more of the following:
Behavioral Analyst
Mike bangs his head when he cannot figure out his math homework.
June needs to increase her study sessions.
Maria twirls her hair during public speaking engagements at a high rate.
Sally answers questions before she hears the entire question, often getting it wrong.
Michelle leaves several voicemails in a row – without waiting for a callback.
Mike chugs his beers at happy hour.
Dana swears too much when watching football.