Applied Forensic Analysis: How a Conceptual Understanding of Behavior Analysis Strengthens Forensic Examinations

A challenge faced by practitioners is a gap between the applied and experimental analyses of behavior. Some examples illustrate how the two areas are distinct fields, and often fail to share ideas in an effective way. In addition, there is the clear potential for ways the two areas (applied and experimental) could benefit one another. One such example is the use of behavior analysis for clients determined to be incompetent to stand trial for criminal charges. When individuals who have been accused of crimes are found incompetent to stand trial they are required to receive competency restoration treatments. This presentation will describe a behavioral approach to helping criminal defendants achieve goals as well as training such defendants to control their actions in the courtroom and to participate thoughtfully in competency examinations. This routine process of competency restoration emphasizes why greater conceptual understanding can directly assist those in need of services.