ABA Principles & Terminology Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a functional behavior assessment (FBA)?

Answer: To identify variables that maintain a problem behavior

An FBA identifies the antecedents and consequences that maintain a problem behavior so that function-based interventions can be designed.

A behavior that is reinforced by removing an aversive stimulus is maintained by:

Answer: Negative reinforcement

Negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing or avoiding an aversive stimulus, strengthening the response that produced the removal.

Which measurement dimension captures how long a single instance of a behavior lasts?

Answer: Duration

Duration measures the length of time from the onset to the offset of a single behavioral episode.

A student who previously bit when given math worksheets begins biting when given any worksheet. This illustrates:

Answer: Stimulus generalization

Stimulus generalization occurs when a behavior trained under one stimulus condition also occurs in the presence of similar stimuli.

The Premack Principle states that:

Answer: High-probability behaviors can reinforce low-probability behaviors

The Premack Principle holds that access to a preferred (high-probability) activity can reinforce engagement in a less-preferred (low-probability) activity.

In ABA, 'thinning' a reinforcement schedule means:

Answer: Gradually increasing the response requirement for reinforcement

Thinning involves gradually increasing the ratio or interval requirement so the learner works longer or more before receiving reinforcement.

Which measurement system records whether a behavior occurred during any part of a brief interval?

Answer: Partial-interval recording

Partial-interval recording scores an interval as positive if the behavior occurred at any point during that interval, which tends to overestimate behavior.