RLT and ABA Training Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards derived from RLT training materials covering fundamental concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

A therapy based on the science of learning and behavior that applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations to increase helpful behaviors and decrease harmful or learning-affecting behaviors.

Registered Line Technician (RLT)

A non-certified technician who must work under the supervision of a Certified BCBA or BCaBA.

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

A certified technician who is required to pass the RBT exam.

Antecedent

What happens right or immediately before a behavior occurs.

Behavior

The action or response that a client engages in.

Consequence

What happens right or immediately after a behavior occurs.

Positive Reinforcement

A stimulus added to the environment that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring more in the future.

Negative Reinforcement

A stimulus taken away from the environment that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring more often in the future.

Positive Punishment

A stimulus added to the environment that results in a behavior occurring less frequently in the future.

Negative Punishment

When something is taken away from the environment resulting in a behavior occurring less frequently in the future.

Frequency

The total number of occurrences of a behavior.

Duration

The length of time from the start of a behavior to the end of the behavior.

Rate

The total number of times a behavior has occurred per amount of time.

Percent Correct

A measurement calculated as $\frac{\text{Number of correct responses}}{\text{Total number of opportunities}}$.

Latency

The amount of time between an instruction given and when the client begins to respond.

Inter Response Time (IRT)

The amount of time elapsed between two consecutive responses.

Momentary Time Sampling

An interval recording method where you note whether the behavior occurred specifically at the end of the interval.

Partial Interval Recording

An interval recording method where you note whether the behavior occurred at any point during the interval.

Whole Interval Recording

An interval recording method where you note whether the behavior occurred for the entire duration of the interval.

Fixed Ratio (FR)

A schedule of reinforcement based on a set, fixed number of responses.

Variable Ratio (VR)

A schedule of reinforcement based on an average number of responses.

Fixed Interval (FI)

A schedule of reinforcement based on a set, fixed amount of time.

Variable Interval (VI)

A schedule of reinforcement based on an average amount of time.

Tact

A verbal operant involving labeling an item, person, or activity that elicits the response.

Intraverbal

A verbal operant consisting of a verbal response to a non-identical verbal SD, such as answering questions or filling in blanks.

Mand

A verbal operant representing a demand or request for a want, need, or information that results in specific reinforcement.

Echoic

A verbal operant where a speaker repeats a word or phrase from another speaker, producing a matching verbal response.

Imitation

Repeating an action after it is modeled by another individual using the prompt format of Model plus saying "Do this".

Listener Responding

A verbal SD followed by a non-verbal action or response with no models provided.

Sensory / Automatic Function

A function of behavior that occurs independently without requiring another person to be involved, such as stimming.

Escape Function

A function of behavior aimed at escaping demands or aversive items and actions.

Attention Function

A function of behavior aimed at seeking attention from others.

Tangible Function

A function of behavior aimed at seeking access to a specific item or activity.

Premack Principle

Also known as "Grandma's Law"; placing a less likely behavior before a more likely behavior ("First, Then…") to increase the occurrence of the less likely behavior.

Behavior Momentum

Providing 3 to 5 antecedent cues or pretask requests before delivering the target behavior cue.

Extinction

A consequence intervention where the reinforcement that usually follows a behavior is ignored or withheld.

Functional Communication Training (FCT)

An intervention that teaches clients effective communication tools to access reinforcement as a replacement behavior.

Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

A structured teaching approach usually conducted in a table setting with distractions removed.

Natural Environment Teaching (NET)

A teaching approach conducted within a natural play setting rather than a structured environment.

Maladaptive Behaviors

Behaviors an individual engages in that interfere with their daily living and everyday activities.

Replacement Behaviors

Functional behaviors taught to serve the exact same function as a target maladaptive behavior.

PECS

Picture Exchange Communication System.

AAC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication.