Behavioral Analysis Terminology

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to behavioral analysis and assessment.

Brief functional analysis

1 or 2 short sessions are conducted for each condition.

Conditional probability

Likelihood that a target behavior will occur in each circumstance.

Contingency reversal

Exchanging the reinforcement contingencies for 2 different responses.

Contingency space analysis

Graphic display of a conditional probability.

Descriptive functional behavior assessment

Direct observation of antecedents, behaviors, and consequences in the natural environment.

Functional analysis

Experimental arrangements of antecedents and consequences.

Functional behavior assessment

Systematic process for identifying the purpose of challenging behavior.

Indirect functional assessment

Interviews, rating scales, or questionnaires used to identify the maintaining reinforcer of problem behavior.

Functionally equivalent

Serving the same purpose.

Interview informed synthesized contingency analysis

A FA variation designed to increase efficiency.

Latency based functional analysis

Each session of the FA is terminated when problem behavior occurs.

Scatterplot recording

Recording the extent to which a behavior occurs more often at some times than others.

Trial based functional analysis

A FA where conditions occur during naturally occurring opportunities.

Anecdotal observation

Recording a descriptive, temporally sequenced account of behaviors, antecedents, and consequences.

Behavioral checklist

List of descriptions of skills and the conditions under which they should be observed.

Behavioral assessment

Indirect and direct procedures to identify and define the target behavior.

Behavioral cusp

A behavior that exposes the learner to new environments.

Ecological assessment

Assessment that acknowledges complex interrelationships between environment and behavior.

Function based definition

Members of a response class based on their common effect on the environment.

Habilitation

Behavior change that has maximum impact on access to reinforcers.

Normalization

Belief of integration to the maximum amount.

Pivotal behavior

Behavior that produces covariation in other untrained behaviors.

Reactivity

The observation affecting the behavior being measured.

Relevance of behavior rule

Only behavior likely to produce naturally occurring reinforcement should be targeted.

Social validity

Target behaviors are appropriate and intervention procedures are acceptable.

Target behavior

Response class selected for intervention.

Topography based definition

Defining behavior by shape or form.