A Comprehensive Glossary of Terms in Applied Behavior Analysis: Unlocking the Language of Behavior

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific discipline that focuses on understanding and changing behavior. ABA therapists use a variety of techniques to assess and modify behavior, including reinforcement, punishment, extinction, and shaping.

Behaviorspeak: A Glossary of Terms in Applied Behavior Analysis

by Bobby Newman

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Language	:	English
File size	:	400 KB
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To understand ABA, it is important to be familiar with the key terms used in the field. This glossary provides definitions for some of the most common terms:

Antecedent

• Definition: A stimulus or event that occurs before a behavior.
• Example: A teacher giving a student a math problem is an antecedent to the student solving the problem.

Behavior

• Definition: Any observable action or response.
• Example: A student raising their hand in class is a behavior.

Consequence

• Definition: A stimulus or event that occurs after a behavior.
• Example: A teacher giving a student a sticker for completing their homework is a consequence to the student completing their homework.

Contingency

• Definition: The relationship between a behavior and its consequences.
• Example: If a student gets a sticker for completing their homework, then the contingency is that completing homework leads to getting a sticker.

Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

• Definition: A method of teaching in which a specific behavior is broken down into small steps and each step is taught separately.
• Example: A teacher might use DTT to teach a student to tie their shoes by first teaching them how to hold the laces, then how to cross the laces, and so on.

Extinction

• Definition: The process of stopping a behavior by no longer providing any reinforcement for it.
• Example: A teacher might use extinction to stop a student from talking out of turn by no longer giving them attention when they do so.

Functional Analysis (FA)

• Definition: A process of identifying the environmental factors that are maintaining a problem behavior.
• Example: A teacher might use FA to determine why a student is hitting other students by observing the student's behavior in different situations.

Generalization

• Definition: The process of a behavior occurring in different situations or in the presence of different stimuli.
• Example: A student who has learned to read at school might generalize this skill to reading at home.

Maintenance

• Definition: The process of keeping a behavior change in place over time.
• Example: A teacher might use maintenance strategies to help a student continue to use the coping skills they have learned in therapy.

Positive Reinforcement

• Definition: The process of increasing the likelihood of a behavior by providing a positive consequence after the behavior occurs.
• Example: A teacher might give a student a sticker for completing their homework.

Punishment

• Definition: The process of decreasing the likelihood of a behavior by providing a negative consequence after the behavior occurs.
• Example: A teacher might give a student a timeout for hitting another student.

Reinforcement

• Definition: Anything that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
• Example: A sticker, a hug, or a word of praise can all be reinforcers.

Shaping

• Definition: The process of gradually changing a behavior by reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior.
• Example: A teacher might use shaping to teach a student to tie their shoes by first reinforcing them for holding the laces, then for crossing the laces, and so on.

Task Analysis

• Definition: The process of breaking down a task into smaller, more manageable steps.
• Example: A teacher might use task analysis to break down the task of writing an essay into smaller steps such as choosing a topic, ng research, and writing a rough draft.

These are just a few of the many terms used in Applied Behavior Analysis. By understanding these terms, you can gain a better understanding of ABA and how it can be used to help people change their behavior.

Behaviorspeak: A Glossary of Terms in Applied Behavior Analysis

by Bobby Newman

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	400 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	150 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE