[Behavioral] Test 3 Study Guide 3/31/26

Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)

A problem-solving process for addressing student problem behavior that identifies the purposes of specific behaviors.

Function

The reason behind a behavior, often found through an assessment.

Attention

A primary function of behavior seeking social interaction.

Escape

A primary function of behavior aimed at avoiding a task or situation.

Automatic Reinforcement

Sensory stimulation that reinforces behavior, such as thumb sucking.

Tangibles

A primary function of behavior involving the pursuit of a specific item or activity.

Interviews

A common method used in FBA to gather information about behavior.

Direct Observation

The 'gold standard' method for accurately assessing behavior in an FBA.

IDEA

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which made FBAs a legal requirement in schools.

Plasticity

The ability for behavior to change rather than being a fixed trait.

Positive Reinforcement

Increasing a behavior by presenting a rewarding stimulus.

Primary Reinforcers

Basic needs such as food, water, and sleep that are unlearned.

Secondary Reinforcers

Social reinforcers like praise and tokens that are learned.

Richness (of Reinforcement)

The frequency or generosity of reinforcement provided.

Contingency

The condition that reinforcement is delivered only if the target behavior occurs.

DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior)

Reinforcement given if the problem behavior does not occur during a specified time.

DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative behavior)

Reinforcing a different, more appropriate behavior.

DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior)

Reinforcing behavior that cannot occur simultaneously with the undesired behavior.

Noncontingent Reinforcement

Providing 'free' reinforcers to reduce the motivation to act out.

Negative Reinforcement

Increasing a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus.

Punishment

Any consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior.

Response Cost

A punishment technique that involves losing a specific amount of earned reinforcers.

Time-Out

A punishment technique that involves removing the individual from participation.

Exclusionary Time-Out

Completely removing the person from the environment.

Non-exclusionary Time-Out

Allowing the person to stay in the environment but not participate.

Overcorrection

Punishment technique involving restitution and positive practice.

Timing (in punishment)

Delaying punishment can decrease its effectiveness.

Consistency (in punishment)

Punishing every time (continuous) is more effective than sometimes (intermittent).

Reinforcing Alternative Behaviors

Important for effectiveness, as punishment alone does not teach what to do.

Spanking Debate

Opposition to spanking due to its negative side effects like increased aggression.

Behavior Change

The aim of positive reinforcement and effective punishment strategies.

Function of Behavior

Understanding the 'why' behind a behavior is key to addressing it.

Assessment Techniques

Methods like interviews and direct observation used in FBA.

Legal Requirement

FBAs are mandated under certain conditions for students with disabilities.

Behavioral Interventions

Strategies selected based on FBA findings to address problem behaviors.

Social Interaction

A motive behind behaviors that seek attention or connection.

Task Avoidance

A motive reflecting the function of escape from undesirable situations.

Sensory Stimulation

A form of automatic reinforcement contributing to certain behaviors.

Positive Practice

A component of overcorrection focusing on repeating the desired behavior.