What's the Function?
If a child screams and the teacher immediately tells them to stop, it's likely this function.
Attention
This data type counts how many time the behavior occurs
Frequency/Repeatability
The pigeon gets a pellet after every 6 button pecks
Fixed Ratio (FR6)
The differential reinforcement that reinforces a predetermined replacement behavior
Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA)
This comes after the behavior
If a student leaves screams and avoids the worksheet, it's probably this function.
Escape
This data type measures how long a behavior lasts
Duration (or Temporal Extent)
Your teacher never gives you attention or praise if you scream.
Extinction
The differential reinforcement procedure that reinforces anything except the target behavior
Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO)
This comes before the behavior
Antecedent
If a child says, "I want a cookie" and her mom gives her the cookie, the request serves this function.
Tangible
This measures the percentage of agreement between different observers
Interobserver Agreement
You are at the slot machine. You have a random chance of winning money but the chance you win any money averages around every 8 games.
Variable Ratio (VR8)
Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI)
A stimulus that signals that reinforcement is available
Discriminative Stimulus (SD)
A person taps their foot even when no one else is around, it is likely for this function.
Automatic reinforcement/sensory
This data collection method involves dividing the observation time into intervals and marking occurrence if the behavior occurs at any point in the interval.
Partial Interval Recording
At the theme park, you can order a free drink but only after 1 hour has passed since the last drink order.
Fixed Interval (FI 1hr)
The differential reinforcement procedure where you only provide reinforcement if the rate of the target behavior meets or exceeds a predetermined rate
Differential reinforcement of high rates of behavior (DRH)
Events that temporily change the value of a reinforcer and alter the likelihood that a behavior is to occur
Motivating Operation
When a behavior serves more than one function, it is called this.
Multiply maintained behavior
A variation of momentary time sampling where you check if members of a group are participating in the activity.
Planned Activity Check (PLACHECK)
During an MSWO preference assessment, you are simultaneously presented with different types of toys to choose from.
Concurrent Schedule
The differential reinforcement procedure you use when you want to reduce a behavior without completing eliminating the target behavior
Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Behavior (DRL)
A stimulus that signals that reinforcement is not available
stimulus delta (SΔ)