BM GLOSSARY 1

A Glossary of Behavior behavioral Classical

Modification (BM) intervention/treatment. Conditioning--see
Terminology RESPONDENT.
Behavior--any
ABA & ABAB--the observable/measurable action Comparison Design--
reversal research designs. Phase that one says or does. A an AB design. Because there is
A is the baseline where data are behavior is a more general term no follow-up to the treatment (B)
recorded and graphed before any than RESPONSE because phase, this design (baseline
environmental change is behaviors can take many followed by a treatment) does
implemented. B phases are different forms (i.e., specific not establish a case for internal
treatment conditions. If a TB responses) that are functionally validity--users of the AB design
changes from a baseline phase to equivalent (i.e., each produces a are uncertain whether the change
a treatment phase the change similar outcome). in the TB was caused by the
may have been caused by the treatment or unknown
treatment (though it could also Behavior Deficit--a extraneous variables.
have been produced by response that either SHOULD
unknown/uncontrolled BE occurring (and isn’t), or Conditioned Stimulus
extraneous variables). To should be occurring more often (CS)--a previously neutral
validate that the treatment than it is. stimulus (NS) that, after being
caused the change in the TB, the paired with a US, reliably elicits
treatment is withdrawn (second an involuntary response (i.e., the
B--return-to-baseline). If the TB Behavioral Excess--a CR).
returns to its operant level, we response that occurs more often
assume that there is a functional than it should Conditioned
relationship between the Response (CR)--An involuntary
treatment/environmental change Behavior response that is elicited by a CS.
and the TB. Because most BM Modification--Methods and
programs are to modify a techniques that are based on Continuous
behavior that is socially basic and applied research Recording--recording the
important, usually the treatment involving operant and classical occurrence of a TB in real time
is reapplied (second B phase). conditioning, that are used to (i.e., as it occurs).
A variation of the reversal change peoples’ behavior in
design is the COMPARISON or socially valid ways. Consequence(s)--
AB design which has LOW environmental events/changes
internal validity. Chaining--the triggered by the emission of a
behavioral procedure of linking Response.
Antecedent--any separate discrete Rs together in a
environmental event/stimulus particular order to establish a Constructs--
that precedes a response. If the more complex response. See descriptive labels such as
event INFLUENCES the task analysis. motivation that are too
likelihood of the response it is a frequently used to incorrectly
discriminative stimulus. Changing Criterion-- explain behavior. Constructs
in this research design, after cannot be seen or directly
Applied behavior baseline data are collected the measured but are INFERRED
analysis--the research field that behavioral intervention is from one’s behavior.
employs behavioral methods to initiated. Once the TB stabilizes
(a) discover new behavioral under treatment conditions Contingency--An if-
principles while (b) help solve (which require the person to then relationship between two
immediate social problems. perform the TB at a particular discrete events. In BM it
level--the criterion), a new phase denotes the relationship between
Baseline--Data is started that employs a change the emission of a response and
collected on a TB prior to the in the criterion. For example, If the consequence the response
implementation of a behavioral a child had to do worksheets at triggers. “If the R occurs, then
treatment. Baseline data least 70% correct to earn a the consequence occurs.”
establish (a) if a treatment is reinforcer, under a new
warranted , (b) what type (and treatment phase, the Contingency
who should administer it) of requirement/criterion-for- Analysis--this is used to
treatment is indicated, and most reinforcement might be changed objectively/empirically
importantly (c) baseline serves to 75% accuracy. determine if a particular
as a standard of comparison to environmental event/stimulus
determine the effects of the functions/serves as a reinforcer
for someone. Count a target
BM GLOSSARY 2

behavior to establish how reset. DRL is designed to CS with a US) until the CS
frequently it occurs. Then decrease a TB rather than reverts back to a NS.
systematically follow the TB eliminate it.
with the event. If the frequency Fading--a procedure
of the TB increases the event is a Differential that switches stimulus control
positive reinforcer; if it Reinforcement of Other from one stimulus to another by
decreases, the event is a negative Responses--DRO, designed to gradually introducing the new
reinforcer; if the event’s eliminate a TB, requires that stimulus while systematically
frequency doesn’t change, the reinforcement be delivered at the removing the first.
stimulus is neutral for that end of a prespecified interval IF
person in that setting. the TB did not occur during the Frequency--one of the
interval. If the TB occurs during Continuous recording methods.
Dependent Variable-- the interval the interval is reset Frequency requires that you
The target behavior meaured and reinforcement is delayed. count/record how many times a
throughout a behavior TB occurs during an
modification program. A TB is Discrimination-- observational session. When the
is measured using detecting differences between length of observational sessions
frequency/rate, latency, duration, similar stimuli. vary (i.e., 30 minutes some days,
intensity, and quality. The TB is 45 minutes others) one should
an indicator of influence of the Discriminative convert the frequency of the TB
program’s treatment/independent Stimulus--Any antecedent that to a RATE by dividing the
variable. affects the probability of a frequency by the length of the
Differential response occurring. There are observational session.
Reinforcement--Some two types: S∆ and SD. The SD
occurrences of a TB are sets the occasion for a response Fixed Duration--In an
reinforced but not others. to OCCUR. The S∆ sets the FD schedule, the TB must occur
occasion for the R to NOT for a set length of time before it
Differential occur. See Stimulus is reinforced.
Reinforcement of Discrimination Training.
Alternative/Incompatible Fixed Interval--in this
Behaviors--DRI weakens a TB Duration--one of the schedule, Rs that occur during
by reinforcing other responses Continuous recording methods. the prespecified interval are
that cannot be emitted The length of each behavioral extinguished. After the interval
simultaneously with the TB. As episode (e.g., how long one elapses, the first occurrence of
these other Rs increase the TB cries, etc.) is recorded for the the TB triggers reinforcement. A
will indirectly decrease. TB. The TB should have a LIMITED HOLD requirement
discrete beginning and end but it can be added to all interval
Differential would be difficult to count schedules. LH requires that the
Reinforcement of Low Rates-- separate occurrences of the TB. TB must occur during a
DRL reinforces a TB when it specified time period after the
occurs at or below a External Validity--the interval ends in order to trigger
prespecified level. Three ways extent to which one is confident reinforcement.
to program: in FULL-SESSION that results of a BM program
the total count of the TB during GENERALIZE to other people, Fixed Ratio--in this
an entire observation session is settings, behaviors. Because schedule the TB must occur a
compared to the session’s participants are usually NOT prespecified number of times
criterion; if the TB is at or randomly selected and are few in before the last one triggers the
below, reinforcement occurs. In number, research results of consequence. All FR schedules
INTERVAL DRL the behavioral studies have low except FR-1 are
observation session is divided external validity until the INTERMITTENT schedules.
into equal length intervals. If a program has been replicated The FR-1 schedule is also called
TB occurs 1 or zero times in an numerous times. the CRF or continuous
interval reinforcement is reinforcement schedule. It
delivered; if the TB occurs more Extinction--a specifies that each occurrence of
than once in an interval the deceleration process where a the TB triggers the consequence.
interval is reset and previously reinforced R (when it It should be used when teaching
reinforcement is delayed. In now occurs) is not reinforced; a new R and when decreasing an
SPACED RESPONDING, the when the R occurs nothing R.
person MUST emit the TB happens. In classical
ONCE in each interval to be conditioning, extinction involves Fixed Time--In a
reinforced; if the TB occurs presenting the CS repeatedly by fixed time schedule the
more than once, the interval is itself (i.e., no longer pairing the reinforcer is delivered at the end
BM GLOSSARY 3

of the interval independent of the of AGREES plus the number of length of time after the
occurrence of a TB. For DISAGREE intervals (a disagree antecedent signal and the
example, I get paid at the end of interval is one in which ONE of occurrence of the TB.
each month independent of what the observers recorded the INTENSITY-the strength of a
quantity or quality of work done occurrence of the TB but not the response. QUALITY of a
during the month. other). Multiply the quotient by response typically involves
100 to express IOR as a measuring two or more
Generalization-- percentage. [NOTE: intervals in dimensions of the R to establish
Responding in the same way to which NEITHER observer refinements, fluency, etc.
different stimuli (response recorded the occurrence of the
generalization), or emitting TB are NOT counted as an agree Multiple Baseline--
different responses to the same interval.) When using this research design requires that
stimulus (stimulus frequency/rate, duration, latency, data be collected,
generalization). and intensity, divided the smaller simultaneously, on two or more
record by the larger and multiply participants (same TB), two of
Generalized by 100 to obtain the % of more TBs. and one or more
Reinforcer--a positive reinforcer agreement. participants, or one or more
that functions as a reinforcer for TBs., one or more participants,
many people in many different Internal Validity--the and 2 or more settings. In the
settings; e.g., money. extent to which one is confident MB one collects/graphs data on
that changes in a TB were the TB for both people, TBs. or
Higher Order produced solely by the settings. Then, you initiate the
Conditioning--A type of behavioral intervention (i.e., treatment in one
classical conditioning where a independent variable) and not setting/TB/person maintaining
NS is paired with an existing CS some extraneous variable. baseline in the other. After the
(rather than with a US) to treatment data have stabilized,
establish the NS also as a CS. Interval Recording-- begin the treatment in the second
the observational session is setting/person/TB while
Independent divided into equal length continuing treatment in the first.
Variable-the treatment used in a intervals. Each interval is scored MB is used in situations where
behavior modification program (checkmark, x, etc.) if the TB one wouldn’t expect the TB to
that is designed to change a TB. occurs during the interval. “naturally” reverse (e.g., if you
teach some one to read using
Intensity--also called Latency--this reinforcement, no longer
MAGNITUDE. This data continuous recording method reinforcing reading behavior
collection method records the measures the amount of time won’t automatically result in
strength of each response elapsed between the occurrence reading decreasing), or when it
emitted--its force in pounds per of a discriminative stimulus and would not be ethical to reverse
square inch, etc. the occurrence of the TB. the TB (e.g., self-injurious
behaviors).
Intermittent--the Limited Hold--A
label for reinforcement short time period following any “Natural”
schedules requiring that some-- interval schedule. After the Reinforcers--reinforcing events
but not all--emissions of the TB original interval elapses, IF the that normally (i.e., without
trigger a consequence. TB occurs during the LH period, programming) follow a
the TB triggers reinforcement; if particular R. For example, if I
Inter Observer the TB does not occur during the stick my hand into a fire, then
Reliability--IOR has two LH period, the regular interval the naturally occurring result is
independent observers collect starts and reinforcement is that my hand is burnt. Or, if you
data on the same TB at the same unavailable until the next LH. took loudly in a theater during a
time. The two sets of data are movie or play, your talking is
compared to determine if both Measuring likely to trigger a verbal
agree that that the TB is Behaviors--Ways to count Rs. reprimand from another patron,
occurring at a particular level. Amount includes frequency (the ejection from the theater, etc.
Convention requires that IOR be number of times the R occurred Some theorists distinguish
at least 80%. IOR is computed during an observation period) between naturally occurring,
using one of two formulas. If and RATE (the number of contrived (no logical relationship
INTERVAL data are collected occurrences divided by the between an R and a consequence
one scores the number of length of the observation such as having to do 100
AGREE intervals (both recorded sessions). DURATION is the pushups if one is late to a class),
the occurrence of the TB in the total amount of time engaged
interval) divided by the number doing the TB. LATENCY is the
BM GLOSSARY 4

Negative indicated on the graph by a solid strengthens a response. Second,

Reinforcer---- A vertical line. Typically, before a the term positive has two cues: a
stimulus/environmental event phase change is warranted, the POSITIVE reinforcer is used,
used as a consequence in a TB must be stable, and there and it is ADDED to the situation
behavioral contingency. must be 5-7 data points, and IOR (a positive sign means addition).
Denoted as (-). Also called a must be 80% or higher for the
PUNISHER and an aversive last two IOR checks. Premack Principle--
stimulus. A negative reinforcer this is a special type of positive
is any environmental Positive Reinforcer-- reinforcement that is also called
event/stimulus that strengthens A stimulus/environmental event GRANDMA’S RULE. In the
Rs that lead to its decrease or used as a consequence in a Premack Principle, access to a
removal, and weakens Rs it behavioral contingency. high frequency/preferred activity
follows. Denoted as (+). A positive is contingent on first completing
reinforcer is any environmental a lower frequency activity.
Negative event/stimulus that strengthens
Reinforcement--diragramed as: Rs it follows, and weakens Rs Prompt--verbal
R - (-)= + In NR the individual that lead to its decrease or instruction (usually though they
is currently experiencing/sensing removal. Five classes of positive can be signs, etc.) that usually
a negative reinforcer; then, the reinforcers: consumable, precede a response and affect the
person emits a Response which exchangeable, likelihood of the R. Often used
triggers the removal of the material/tangible/possessional, as an adjunct to a discriminative
negative reinforcer which social, and activity. stimulus (especially when doing
produces a strengthening of the Primary/unconditioned positive SDT).
Response (i.e., the person is reinforcers are UNLEARNED
more likely to emit the R the and work automatically to Punisher--see
next time the negative reinforcer strengthen Rs they follow IF one negative reinforcer.
is experienced. This is called is deprived with respect to them.
ESCAPE CONDITIONING. Conditioned/secondary positive Punishment--
There is also avoidance reinforcers are LEARNED (i.e., diagramed as: R + (-) = - In
conditioning. In avoidance, one they were neutral but have been punishment, the occurrence of
hasn’t yet experienced the NR paired with primary or other the R riggers the delivery of a
but they do the Response so secondary reinforcers until negative reinforcer and the R is
prevent/delay the occurrence of they’ve acquired reinforcing weakened (less likely to again
the NR. properties) so they vary from occur). Associated with the
person to person. There are “punishment paradigm” which
Operant Level--the FIVE types of conditioned includes all processes and
frequency/ duration/ reinforcers: consumable, procedures that produce a
latency/intensity of a Response activity, manipulative (tangible), deceleration of a response.
prior to implementing a exchangeable & possessional
behavioral treatment. Usually (e.g., YOUR chair), and social. Ratio Strain--
associated with baseline Colloquially, the term Associated with the VR and FR
responding. REWARD is often used as a schedules. When increasing the
synonym for positive reinforcer. number of Rs required in order
Pairing Methods-- to trigger reinforcement, if the
associated with classical Positive increases in the number required
conditioning to establish a CS. In Reinforcement--a behavioral are too large/rapid, then
TRACE, the NS is presented and PROCESS (don’t confuse it with responding will deteriorate.
removed then 1/2-to-1 second reinforcer which is a stimulus)
later, the US is presented. In that employs a positive Reinforcer-any
DELAY, the NS is presented and reinforcer. When a behavior is environmental event that alters
the US is presented next before followed by the addition of a the likelihood of responses it
the NS is removed. In positive reinforcer, that behavior follows. All reinforcers can
Simultaneous, both the NS and is strengthened (i.e., it is more either strengthen or weaken
US are presented together. In likely to occur again/its responses depending on how
BACKWARD, the US is frequency increases, etc.). they are used. Two general
presented before the NS> Diagrams... Signaled: SD-->R-- categories: Positive (+) and (-);
>+ (+) = + Unsignaled: R-->+ the former strengthens Rs it
Phase Change--a (+) = + There are two follows, while the latter weakens
phase on a graph is a condition mnemonics associated with the those it follows. Five types of
that is different (e.g., a treatment name positive reinforcement. (+): consummable, tangible,
is being used, a new treatment, First, reinforcement ALWAYS social, activity, & exchangeable.
etc.) from other phases. It is indicates a process that
BM GLOSSARY 5

Research Designs-- Target Behavior--a

Used to visually analyze whether Rules for Using TB is the specific response that
environmental changes produce Consequences Effectively--CIP. is to be modified in a behavior
practical changes in Tbs. See The consequence must be change program.
Reversal (ABAB), Comparison, CONTINGENT on the R, be
Changing Criterion, and POWERFUL enough to affect Task Analysis-- The
Multiple Baseline. the R, and should TA is used to breakdown
IMMEDIATELY follow the R. complex behaviors into their
Respondent component responses. Each
Conditioning--classical Schedules of “step” in a TA must specify a
conditioning. Begins with a Reinforcement--these specify behavior that the learner does.
reflex which is an involuntary WHEN the occurrence of a TB The steps are sequenced from
response that is elicited/caused will trigger a consequence. first to last. A TA can be
by an antecedent event called a Usually associated with “forward chained” or
US. The reflex does not reinforcement processes and “backward.” In forward
demonstrate procedures but also apply to chaining, model (use instructions
learning/conditioning. If a aversive contingencies such as too) the first R. Have learner
neutral (NS) stimulus is punishment. See Fixed Interval, imitate it and reinforce
repeatedly paired with a US (or Fixed Ration, Variable Interval, acquisition. Then model the
with an existing CS--higher and Variable Ratio. second R. Then model the first
order conditioning), eventually two Rs. Continue until learner
the NS will become a Shaping-- has acquired the complex
Conditioned stimulus (CS) that differentially reinforcing behavior. Backward chain
by itself will also elicit the successive approximations to a allows the behavior modifier an
involuntary response (now called terminal response. In shaping, alternative method for
a CR). each TB that more closely identifying the discrete
resembles the final version of the behavioral “steps” that make up
Response-- denoted TB is reinforced and previously the complex behavior. First,
as an R. A specific action reinforced forms of the TB are specify the last R one does in the
emitted by a that can be (a) extinguished. This process is total chain. Then the next to the
influenced by environmental used to teach new responses last, etc. To teach the complex
events that precede the action, (ones not presently in the behavior, follow the forward
and (b) contingently consequated person’s repertoire). See task chaining model. In TOTAL
by environmental events that analysis. TASK PRESENTATION,
follow and are triggered by the which is generally for “simple”
action. Social Validity--The complex behaviors, one models
extent to which a BM program is the entire set of discrete Rs for
Response Cost--an beneficial to both the client and the learner followed by them
operant process diagramed as: R the community. attempting/practicing the whole
- (+) = - After the R is emitted a task. Continue modeling it until
positive reinforcer is removed Stimulus acquired.
and the as a result, the R is (singular)/Stimuli (plural)--any
weakened. This process is a environmental event that can be Stimulus
member of the punishment directly observed or measured. Generalization-when a response
paradigm and some consider it a that has been reinforced in the
variation of punishment even Stimulus presence of one antecedent
though it is procedurally Discrimination Training begins to occur in the presence
different. (SDT)--A PROCEDURE used to of other antecedents:
establish stimulus control (i.e., SD1 ->R1 -> + (+) = +
Response where antecedents affect what SD2 ->R1
Generalization-when a an one says or does). In SDT, a TB SD3 ->R1
antecedent sets the occassion for is reinforced in the presence of a
different Rs to occur even particular stimulus (which, Time-out--this
though only one of the Rs has across several trials, becomes an deceleration procedure (a
triggered reinforcement when it SD for the TB) and the TB is member of the punishment
occurred in the presence of the extinguished or punished when it paradigm) requires that when
antecedent: occurs in the presence of another one emits the TB the misbehaver
SD->R1 -> + (+) = + stimulus, which becomes an S∆ (i.e., the person) is removed
SD->R2 for the TB. from the setting for a short time
SD->R3 period which reduces the
Reversal Designs--see frequency of the TB.
ABA & ABAB
BM GLOSSARY 6

Topography--the
physical dimensions of a
response (i.e., how the R
“looks.).

Variable Duration--
this schedule requires that a TB
occur for a set amount of time
before it is reinforced then a new
time length is set that is
longer/shorter than the previous.

Variable Interval--
this schedule requires that an
interval pass (Rs that occur
during the interval are
extinguished) then the first
occurrence of the TB triggers
reinforcement, then a new
interval that is longer or shorter
than the previous one is set. A
LIMITED HOLD requirement
can be added to all interval
schedules. LH requires that the
TB must occur during a
specified time period after the
interval ends in order to trigger
reinforcement.

Variable Ratio--in
this schedule the TB must occur
a specified number of times; the
last one triggers reinforcement.
After each reinforcement, the
number of TBs. required is
changed so it is either more or
fewer than the previous number
required.

Also see this web site:

http://www.coedu.usf.edu/
abaglossary/main.asp