Psych 302 EXAM 6 WVU

List some applications of behavior analysis to socially significant problems

Education, developmental disabilities, autism treatment, OBM, parenting, health/fitness, substance use treatment, and public safety interventions.

What is applied behavior analysis?

The scientific application of behavioral principles to improve socially significant behavior and demonstrate that interventions cause the change.

What are ABA technologies based on?

Experimental analysis of behavior (EAB), learning principles, and empirically validated behavioral procedures.

What is the primary focus of ABA?

To improve meaningful, measurable human behavior using data-driven evaluation.

What is the dependent variable in ABA?

The behavior being measured.

What is the independent variable in ABA?

The intervention or treatment applied to change the behavior.

Define behavior acceleration

Increasing the frequency of a desired behavior.

Example of behavior acceleration

Reinforcing a child’s polite requests.

Define behavior deceleration

Decreasing or eliminating an undesired behavior.

Example of behavior deceleration

Reducing tantrums or aggression.

What is Differential Reinforcement of Alternative behavior (DRA)?

Reinforcing a desirable alternative while withholding reinforcement for the problem behavior.

Example of DRA

Reinforcing hand-raising instead of shouting out.

What is Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior (DRO)?

Delivering reinforcement when the problem behavior does not occur for a set interval.

Example of DRO

Reinforcing every 5 minutes without hitting.

What is a functional analysis?

An experimental method to identify the function of behavior by manipulating antecedents and consequences.

What is the purpose of a functional analysis?

To determine which reinforcers maintain a problem behavior.

What are the common maintaining reinforcers assessed in a functional analysis?

Attention, escape/avoidance, tangible access, and automatic/sensory reinforcement.

What is a behavioral contract?

A written agreement outlining target behavior, measurement, goals, and consequences.

What are the basic components of a behavioral contract?

Target behavior, measurement method, criteria, rewards/consequences, and signatures.

Why is generality important in behavior-change programs?

Behavior change should last, transfer to new settings, and spread to similar behaviors.

What three things occur when an intervention has generality?

Maintenance over time, transfer across people/settings, and spread to related behaviors.

What are the goals of contingency management (CM)?

To increase desired behaviors through systematic, contingent reinforcement.

What are the typical components of a CM project?

Identify target behavior, objectively measure it, establish rewards, and deliver reinforcement based on performance.

How is the target behavior usually measured in CM?

Objective verification such as logs, step counts, or biochemical tests.

How do CM outcomes compare to other methods?

CM consistently produces stronger, more reliable results due to clear and immediate reinforcement.

Examples of online CM resources for non–substance use behaviors

Apps or programs for exercise, studying, medication adherence, or health routines.

Examples of CM beyond substance use

Teen smoking/vaping reduction, medication adherence, increased physical activity.

Describe the ideal teacher from a behavioral perspective

One who sets clear contingencies, uses consistent reinforcement, models desired behavior, and arranges supportive environments.

Applied behavior analysis (term)

The science of improving behavior using behavioral principles and demonstrating functional control.

Behavior acceleration (term)

Increasing desired behavior.

Behavior deceleration (term)

Decreasing undesired behavior.

Behavioral contract (term)

A written agreement specifying behavior goals and consequences.

Behavioral medicine (term)

Applying behavioral principles to health-related behaviors.

Contingency management (term)

Using rewards contingent on verified behavior change.

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) (term)

Reinforcing an alternative to a problem behavior.

Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) (term)

Reinforcing the absence of problem behavior during a time interval.

Functional analysis (term)

Assessing behavioral function by manipulating consequences.

Generality (term)

Behavior change that maintains, transfers, and spreads to related behaviors.