ABA Terms and Definitions

Essential ABA Terms and Definitions

1. Behavior

Behavior refers to any observable and measurable action or response made by an organism. In the context of ABA, behavior is typically considered in terms of its function, such as whether it is adaptive or maladaptive.

Example: A child raising their hand in class is a behavior.

2. Antecedent

An antecedent is a stimulus that occurs before a behavior. It is the event or condition that triggers or precedes a behavior. Understanding antecedents is critical for behavior analysts to implement effective interventions.

Example: A teacher saying, "Please start your work" is the antecedent that precedes a student's response of beginning to write.

3. Consequence

A consequence is an event or stimulus that follows a behavior and influences the future occurrence of that behavior. Consequences can reinforce or punish behavior, depending on their nature.

Example: If a child receives praise for completing their homework, the praise serves as a positive consequence reinforcing the behavior of completing homework.

4. Reinforcement

Reinforcement is the process of strengthening a behavior by providing a stimulus after the behavior occurs. It can be classified as positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement.

• Positive reinforcement: Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase behavior.
• Negative reinforcement: Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior.

Example: Giving a child a treat for doing their chores (positive reinforcement) or removing a time-out as a reward for good behavior (negative reinforcement).

5. Punishment

Punishment is the process of decreasing a behavior by presenting an aversive stimulus (positive punishment) or removing a reinforcing stimulus (negative punishment) following the behavior.

• Positive punishment: Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease behavior.
• Negative punishment: Removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease behavior.

Example: Scolding a child for hitting someone (positive punishment) or taking away a toy for misbehaving (negative punishment).

6. Extinction

Extinction occurs when a behavior that was previously reinforced no longer results in reinforcement, leading to a decrease in the frequency of that behavior over time.

Example: A child who tantrums for attention may stop tantruming if no attention is given when the tantrum occurs.

7. Discriminative Stimulus (SD)

A discriminative stimulus is a cue or signal that indicates that a particular response will be reinforced. It signals that reinforcement is available if the correct behavior occurs.

Example: A green light is a discriminative stimulus that signals that it is safe to go.

8. Motivating Operation (MO)

Motivating operations are environmental variables that alter the effectiveness of a reinforcer or punisher. MOs can make a reinforcer more or less reinforcing depending on the situation.

Example: Hunger is a motivating operation that makes food more reinforcing.

9. Shaping

Shaping involves reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior. This technique is used to teach new behaviors by gradually reinforcing closer and closer steps toward the desired behavior.

Example: Reinforcing a child for getting closer to tying their shoes, then for holding the laces, and eventually for tying the shoes completely.

10. Task Analysis

Task analysis is the process of breaking down a complex behavior or skill into smaller, more manageable steps. This is used to teach the skill step by step until mastery is achieved.

Example: Breaking down the steps of washing hands into smaller tasks: turning on the water, applying soap, rubbing hands together, rinsing, and drying hands.

11. Behavior Chain

A behavior chain is a series of interconnected behaviors where each behavior serves as a cue for the next behavior in the sequence. Behavior chains can be taught using forward or backward chaining methods.

Example: The sequence of behaviors involved in making a sandwich—getting bread, spreading peanut butter, and placing jelly—is a behavior chain.

12. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

A functional behavior assessment is a process used to identify the causes and functions of a behavior. This assessment helps behavior analysts design effective interventions based on the function of the behavior.

Example: Conducting an FBA to determine if a child’s aggression is a result of seeking attention, escaping a demand, or another function.

13. Generalization

Generalization occurs when a learned behavior is exhibited in different environments, with different people, or under different conditions than those originally used for teaching.

Example: A child who learns to greet their teacher in the classroom also begins greeting their peers in the hallways.

14. Maintenance

Maintenance refers to the ability of a behavior to persist over time, even after the intervention has been faded or removed. This indicates that the behavior has been learned and can continue without constant reinforcement.

Example: A child continues to use polite language even after a reinforcement schedule is reduced.

15. Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

A behavior intervention plan is a document that outlines strategies to address challenging behaviors. The BIP includes the behavior’s function, the interventions to be used, and how the plan will be evaluated and modified as needed.

Example: A BIP for a student who engages in aggression might include strategies such as teaching communication skills and providing reinforcement for positive behavior.

Conclusion

Mastering ABA terms and definitions is a key step in preparing for the RBT exam and succeeding as a behavior technician. Understanding these foundational concepts will help you effectively implement behavior-analytic practices and communicate clearly with supervisors and colleagues. Keep reviewing these terms regularly as you continue your studies and prepare for your certification exam!