Nonlinear Contingency Analysis

This badge signifies completion of the course Beyond ABC: Improving Interventions and Animal Welfare with Nonlinear Contingency Analysis.

Traditional approaches to addressing undesired responses typically involve the exploration of a single desired outcome as well as the conditions under which that outcome is attained. This is known as a linear approach in which the antecedents and consequences for the behavior in question are described (Layng et al., 2022). However, a more thorough examination reveals there are many contingencies that ultimately contribute to the understanding of how and why a specific behavior is emitted. Looking at these multiple contingencies that are operating on the behavior, also known as a nonlinear contingency analysis, reveals a more accurate explanation (Layng et al., 2022). This information can lead to timely, more appropriate interventions, and ultimately improved animal welfare. Nonlinear contingency analysis also has the potential to provide answers to behavior challenges that often seem difficult to explain. This presentation will provide case studies to reveal how nonlinear contingency analysis leads to better understanding of behavior and improved interventions.

This course takes approximately 35 minutes to complete.