Glossary Terms

In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), frequency refers to the number of times a specific behavior occurs during a given observation period. This is a basic measurement that tracks how often a behavior happens and is useful for identifying patterns and measuring the effectiveness of interventions. Example A behavior analyst is working with a child named […]

A Multiple Stimulus without Replacement (MSWO) Preference Assessment is a method used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to identify an individual’s most preferred items by presenting an array of stimuli (typically 3-7 items) at once and allowing the individual to select one. After an item is chosen, it is removed from the array, and the

A Multiple Stimulus with Replacement (MSW) Preference Assessment is a technique used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to identify preferred items or activities by presenting an array of stimuli (typically 3-7 items) at once and allowing the individual to choose one. After the individual selects an item, the chosen item is replaced back into the

A Paired Stimulus Preference Assessment (PSPA) is a method used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to identify an individual’s preferred items or activities by presenting two stimuli at a time and recording which one the individual chooses. This procedure allows practitioners to create a hierarchy of preferred items, which can be used as reinforcers in

A Single Stimulus Preference Assessment, is a method used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to determine which items or activities are preferred by an individual. In this assessment, one item is presented to the individual at a time, and their reaction to or interaction with the item is recorded. The process is repeated with multiple

A Free Operant Preference Assessment is a method used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to determine an individual’s preferred items or activities by observing their interactions with various items in the environment. During this assessment, the therapist or behavior analyst does not directly interact with the individual, but instead allows the individual to freely choose

Fixed Ratio (FR) is a reinforcement schedule in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) where reinforcement is delivered after a set number of responses. The ratio refers to how many responses are required before reinforcement is given. For example, in an FR5 schedule, reinforcement is provided after every 5th correct response. This type of schedule tends to

Continuous Reinforcement (CRF), also referred to as Fixed Ratio 1 (FR1), is a reinforcement schedule in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) where every instance of a target behavior is reinforced. This means that each time the behavior occurs, it is followed by a reinforcing consequence, making it a highly effective schedule for teaching new behaviors or

Fixed Interval (FI) is a schedule of reinforcement in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) where reinforcement is delivered for the first response after a fixed amount of time has passed. Regardless of how many responses occur during the interval, only the first response after the interval ends will be reinforced. This type of schedule typically leads

Duration refers to the length of time that a behavior occurs, from the moment the behavior starts to the moment it stops. In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), collecting duration data involves measuring how long a specific behavior lasts during an observation period. This type of data is particularly useful for behaviors that vary in length