02 Jan Is Applied Behavior Analysis and the Linear Approach Cruel?
In the human world, questions about the ethics and efficacy of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and linear training methods often arise. Are these approaches inherently cruel, or do they depend on how they’re applied? These questions have led to how we look at working with nonhuman animals – which means birds for us at Avian Behavior – through the ABA paradigm, and we went the opposite direction of the Humane Hierarchy many years ago as a result.
In the Chicken Challenge Workshop, we explored this question, using the constructional approach, nonlinear analysis, and concepts of choice and assent to reframe the discussion.
The Problem with the Linear Approach
Linear analysis means that we are using the ABC’s, looking at one antecedent that informs the behavior of our bird and looking at a single functional consequence that follows. When we want to change the behavior, we change either an antecedent or commonly, the consequence. While this may seem logical, it can lead to rigidity that overlooks the individual needs and responses of the animal. This is also referred to as the pathological approach, because we see the animal not offering the desired behavior as something wrong. We apply topical methods – as in one to one responses replacing one problematic consequence that the bird receives from their behavior with a “better one” – in order to achieve a new behavior.
This is where training can turn problematic, potentially pushing animals into compliance rather than collaboration. When the bird is showing signs of fear, avoidance, or aggressive responses they want us to go away. They want space. This is a negative reinforcement contingency. You have approached them in the antecedent, they showed their “undesirable body language” and now YOU have the choice of what to offer them. If you offer them food for calm behavior, that is what we call super-imposing a contingency. They want space and you are giving them something that falls in the positive reinforcement contingency column. In the human world, one of the reasons ABA is seen as cruel is for reasons just like this: we offer arbitrary reinforcers or pre-determined reinforcers rather than something that the child already desires.
This is why you will find the words choice and control out of our vernacular. We use them so much that we become blind to their meaning. Does the animal have true choice for what they want to achieve?
The Constructional Approach: Building, Not Imposing
The constructional approach offers a powerful alternative. This framework was developed by Israel Goldiamond and built on Skinner’s ideas. Instead of focusing on fixing behavior, the constructional approach recognizes that we may not have intimate knowledge of what the functional consequence of a behavior is. Therefore, reinforcing many different behaviors and building a foundation allows the animal to avoid frustration and experience true choice is one of the key functions of the constructional approach. For instance, if we are asking our chicken to interact with a block a certain way like peck the block, and they are early in the program, there are many different behaviors that we want to reinforce that may not even be pecking adjacent: the bird can stand there, they can look at the block they can turn towards home, they could stand on a station, go into their crate… there are many behaviors we can actually reinforce.
This method aligns with the animal’s learning pace and respects their autonomy, which is critical for fostering trust and motivation.
True Choice and Assent
Key to the constructional approach is understanding true choice and assent. True choice means providing the animal with options – and the freedom to decline – without negative consequences. Assent is when the animal actively participates in training, signaling they’re ready and willing to engage.
In practical terms, this might look like offering a chicken several ways to interact with a target or adjusting the session when the chicken seems hesitant. These moments of hesitation are not failures; they’re feedback, allowing us to adjust our approach dynamically.
Nonlinear Analysis: Breaking Free from the Checklist
Nonlinear analysis moves us away from a rigid hierarchy, and it allows us to look at the animal in front of us. Instead of requiring step-by-step progression, this approach encourages flexibility. It may very well be that the animal in front of us requires our use of non-coercive negative reinforcement before positive reinforcement procedures can be achieved because the very act of delivering food causes more stress and escape behavior.
This adaptability acknowledges that learning isn’t always a straight line. It’s a series of connections and discoveries that vary between individuals. By learning these important frameworks now, neither you nor your bird has to unlearn a mindset that can be stifling to progress and success.
Is ABA Cruel?
Concerns about applied behavior analysis being outdated for use with humans started several years ago as people started to notice that the pursuit of some goals led to increased fallout effects. Just like any science based practice, its effectiveness and ethicality depend entirely on how it’s implemented. We can the basic understanding of behavior analysis with the principles of assent and a constructional approach to create an enriching, positive experience for our birds. However, when used rigidly or without regard for the animal’s autonomy, it risks becoming coercive and harmful.
A Compassionate Perspective
The takeaway? The constructional approach and nonlinear analysis help us answer important questions that the ABC’s leave out. By adopting a constructional, nonlinear approach and prioritizing skill building, we create a dynamic, ethical framework that respects our bird’s needs and builds trust. To enhance your academic understanding of the nonlinear approach, we highly recommend the book, Nonlinear Contingency Analysis, Going Beyond Cognition and Behavior in Clinical Practice (Layng, Adronis, Codd, Abed-Jalil).
Want to dive deeper?
We have a new course inside the Avian Behavior Lab that explores these concepts in depth, along with the entire 8-week Chicken Challenge Workshop and hundreds of hours of additional training content. You can join free for 2 weeks—just use the code AVIAN at checkout!