Waikato University hosts NZ Association for Behaviour Analysis conference

What possums like to eat and putting citronella collars on dogs are just two of the subjects being discussed at the eighth annual conference of the New Zealand Association for Behaviour Analysis from August 26 to 28 at the University of Waikato.

Australian Delegates

Staff from universities across the country and Australia will arrive for the annual conference which aims to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behaviour analysis through research, education, and practice.

Organiser and University of Waikato senior lecturer in Psychology Dr Lewis Bizo say the conference is a chance for PhD, Masters students and academic staff to discuss their research findings among peers.

Behaviour Analysis 

Behaviour analysis is a science that involves using modern behavioral learning theory to modify overt behaviors. “The real contribution from behavioural analysis comes from work with children with autism and severe developmental disabilities,” says Dr Bizo. “Behaviour analysis is really the only treatment that has any real effect on improving their quality of life.”

“Primarily the conference is attended by Psychology department staff and organisations from Australasia who are affiliated with our research. The full breadth of our research at Waikato is being discussed at the conference.”

Conference Presentations

Waikato University presentations include: ‘Assessing Possums’ Food Preferences and Demand’, ‘The Effect of Caffeine on Decisions About Future Events’ and ‘The Role of Differential Outcomes on Gambling Behaviour’. Almost 50 research presentations will be made over the two-day conference by staff from universities throughout New Zealand and Australia.

The conference is being held at the University of Waikato Hamilton campus with presentations starting at 9am on Saturday 27 August.