ABA Basics
The science that uses principles of behavior to improve socially significant behavior
Applied Behavior Analysis
The event that happens immediately before a behavior
Antecedent
Giving a preferred item after a response that makes the response more likely
Positive reinforcement
A count of how many times a behavior occurs
Frequency
Your learner says "break" instead of engaging in problem behavior. What skill are you likely strengthening?
Functional communication
A measurable description of behavior that anyone could observe and agree on
Operational definition
The behavior in an ABC data sequence should be described this way
Observable and measurable
Removing something unpleasant after a response, making the response more likely is
Negative reinforcement
How long a behavior lasts
Duration
A learner finishes their task and immediately gets 5 minutes with their favorite toy. What is this an example of?
Reinforcement
A consequence that increases the future likelihood of a behavior
Reinforcement
The "C" in ABC data stands for
Consequence
The process of identifying reinforcers for a learner is called
Preference Assessment
How much time passes between an instruction and the start of a response
Latency
A BCBA changes a teaching procedure after reviewing the learner's data. What is guiding the decision?
Data based decision making
A consequence that decreases the future likelihood of a behavior
A learner asks for a break after work is presented. What is likely the antecedent?
Work being presented
A learner gets a token after completing a task. What does the token function as?
A conditioned reinforcer
A graph showing behavior across time with points connected by lines
Line graph
An RBT says "He was being bad today." What should they have said instead?
Describe the behavior by being measurable, observable, and operational. "MOO"
The "A" in ABC data stands for this
Antecedent
Why do we collect ABC data?
To identify patterns and possible functions of the behavior
True or False: Reinforcement and reward always mean the exact same thing
False - reinforcement is defined by its effect on future behavior
Why is consistent data collection important?
Helps accurately evaluate behavior change and make decisions
The goal of ABA is to not simply make behavior stop. What broader outcome should guide the intervention?
Meaningful improvement in the learner's quality of life and socially significant behavior