Applied Behavior Analysis – Key Vocabulary

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary from lecture notes on applied behavior analysis (Chapters 1–8), including foundational principles, reinforcement, extinction, and schedules.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

The science devoted to understanding and changing behavior by analyzing environmental variables and systematically applying interventions.

Analysis (in ABA)

The systematic identification of environmental events that precede and follow a behavior to explain why it occurs.

Modification (in ABA)

The deliberate alteration of environmental variables to change the frequency of a target behavior.

Determinism

The assumption that behavior follows lawful, orderly relations and is not accidental or due to free will.

Empiricism

Reliance on objective observation and measurement as the basis for drawing behavioral conclusions.

Parsimony

Preference for the simplest adequate explanation before considering complex theories.

Scientific Manipulation

Use of controlled experiments, often in series, to test variables affecting behavior.

Philosophic Doubt

Continual questioning of existing explanations; willingness to revise beliefs based on new data.

Outcome Oriented

An ABA focus on measurable results rather than on the specific process used to obtain them.

Phylogenetic Behavior

Behavioral predispositions determined by species‐level heredity.

Ontogenetic Behavior

Behavior shaped by an individual’s lifetime learning history.

Behavioral Epigenetics

Field examining how learning experiences can influence gene expression.

Self-Modification

Application of ABA principles to change one’s own behavior.

Behavior

Any observable and measurable act a person performs; excludes emotions themselves.

Product of Behavior

The outcome produced by behavior, e.g., weight loss, good grades.

Overt Behavior

Actions that can be directly observed and measured by others (e.g., walking, talking).

Covert Behavior

Private, internal events such as thinking or feeling that require specialized measures to infer.

Behavioral Deficit

Too little of a desirable behavior within a context.

Behavioral Excess

Too much of an undesirable behavior within a context.

Behavior Modification

Therapeutic approach that targets observable behavior, uses proven techniques, and emphasizes environmental causes.

Behavior Analysis

Scientific study of laws governing behavior in humans and other animals.

Behavior Therapy

Behavior modification procedures applied specifically to dysfunctional behaviors.

Positive Reinforcer

A stimulus added after a response that increases the future probability of that response.

Positive Reinforcement (Sr+)

The process of adding a desirable stimulus contingent on behavior to strengthen it.

Negative Reinforcement (Sr–)

Strengthening behavior by removing or avoiding an aversive stimulus.

Reinforcer

Any consequence that, when contingent on a behavior, increases that behavior’s frequency.

Operant Behavior

Behavior that operates on the environment and is influenced by its consequences.

Operational Definition

Exact specification of a behavior so others can reliably observe and measure it.

Primary (Unconditioned) Reinforcer

A stimulus (e.g., food, water) that is naturally reinforcing without prior learning.

Secondary (Conditioned) Reinforcer

A stimulus that acquires reinforcing properties through pairing with primary or other conditioned reinforcers.

Consumable Reinforcer

Edible or drinkable item used as a reward.

Activity Reinforcer

Opportunity to engage in a preferred action (e.g., watching TV).

Manipulative Reinforcer

Chance to handle or play with a preferred object or engage in a hobby.

Possessional Reinforcer

Temporary access to a valued item one can possess (e.g., stickers, gadgets).

Social Reinforcer

Attention-based rewards such as praise, smiles, pats, or nods.

Premack Principle

A high-frequency behavior can serve as reinforcement for a low-frequency behavior.

Motivating Operation (MO)

An event that temporarily alters a reinforcer’s effectiveness and the behavior it influences.

Deprivation

Withholding of a reinforcer for a time, increasing its effectiveness.

Satiation

Reinforcer consumed so much it temporarily loses effectiveness.

Reinforcer Immediacy

Delivering a reinforcer directly after the desired response for maximal effect.

Contingent Reinforcement

Reinforcement delivered only if the target behavior occurs.

Noncontingent Reinforcement

Reinforcement given independent of specific behavior; may create superstitious actions.

Programmed Reinforcer

Artificial reinforcer arranged within a training program.

Natural Reinforcer

Consequence that occurs spontaneously in everyday settings.

Unconditioned Reinforcer

Synonym for primary reinforcer; requires no learning to be effective.

Conditioned Reinforcer

Stimulus that becomes reinforcing through association with other reinforcers.

Backup Reinforcer

Actual reward that supports the value of a conditioned reinforcer (e.g., prizes exchanged for tokens).

Token

Conditioned reinforcer (e.g., points, stars) exchangeable for backup reinforcers.

Token Economy

Behavioral program using tokens as conditioned reinforcers across multiple behaviors and settings.

Simple Conditioned Reinforcer

Conditioned reinforcer paired with a single backup reinforcer.

Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer

Conditioned reinforcer paired with multiple backup reinforcers, reducing satiation risk.

Extinction

Procedure in which a previously reinforced behavior is no longer followed by reinforcement, leading to its decrease.

Extinction Burst

Temporary increase in frequency or intensity of a behavior when extinction begins.

Spontaneous Recovery

Reappearance of an extinguished response after a time delay.

Schedule of Reinforcement

Rule describing which responses will be reinforced.

Continuous Reinforcement (CRF)

Schedule in which every correct response is reinforced.

Intermittent Reinforcement

Schedule reinforcing only some occurrences of a response.

Acquisition Phase

Period during which a behavior is being learned or strengthened.

Maintenance Phase

Period after acquisition when a behavior is well established.

Free Operant Procedure

Situation allowing unlimited responding without discrete trials.

Discrete Trials Procedure

Each response opportunity is clearly signaled and limited.

Ratio Schedule

Reinforcement based on number of responses emitted.

Fixed Ratio (FR)

Reinforcement delivered after a set number of responses.

Variable Ratio (VR)

Reinforcement after a changing, unpredictable number of responses around a mean value.

Ratio Strain

Breakdown in responding when ratio requirements increase too quickly.

Interval Schedule

Reinforcement contingent on the first response after a time interval.

Fixed Interval (FI)

First response after a fixed period is reinforced.

Variable Interval (VI)

First response after varying, unpredictable time intervals is reinforced.

Limited Hold

Finite time span after an interval during which a response will be reinforced.

FI/LH

Fixed interval schedule that includes a limited hold period.

VI/LH

Variable interval schedule combined with a limited hold.

Duration Schedule

Reinforcement after behavior occurs continuously for a specified period.

Fixed Duration (FD)

Continuous performance for a set time earns reinforcement.

Variable Duration (VD)

Continuous performance for changing, unpredictable durations earns reinforcement.

Differential Reinforcement of High Rates (DRH)

Reinforcer delivered only if response rate exceeds a set threshold.

Concurrent Schedules

Two or more reinforcement schedules available simultaneously for different behaviors.

Matching Law

Principle that response allocation matches the proportion of reinforcement obtained from each option.

Multiple Schedule (MULTI)

Two or more schedules alternate, each signaled by a distinct discriminative stimulus.

Chained Schedule (CHAIN)

Two or more schedules occur in sequence; each must be completed to access the next and eventual reinforcement.

Mixed Schedule (MIX)

Like a multiple schedule but without discriminative stimuli identifying the current schedule.

Tandem Schedule (TAND)

Like a chained schedule but without discriminative stimuli signalling each component.

Alternative Schedule

Reinforcement given after the first completion of either a ratio or an interval requirement.

Conjunctive Schedule

Reinforcement delivered only when both ratio and interval criteria are met.

Adjunctive Behavior

Excessive collateral behaviors emerging under certain schedules controlling the target behavior.

Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)

Application of behavioral principles to improve individual and group performance in workplaces.

Performance Management

OBM approach focusing on measuring and modifying employee behavior for desired outcomes.

Personalized System of Instruction (PSI)

Self-paced, mastery-based instructional method using frequent tests and proctors rather than lectures.

Token Economy – Advantages

Immediate delivery, resistance to satiation, ability to bridge delays, and versatility with multiple backup reinforcers.

Superstitious Behavior

Action inadvertently reinforced by adventitious (noncontingent) reinforcement.

Halo Effect (Labeling)

Bias where a diagnostic label shapes broad judgments about a person’s behaviors.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Process where expectations shaped by labels influence individuals to behave in ways that confirm the label.

Behavioral Epistemology – Parsimony

Guiding principle that simpler explanations of behavior are preferred until ruled out.

Outcome Bias in ABA

Tendency to judge interventions by measurable results rather than by how they were implemented.