Glossary Terms

A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a formal, individualized plan designed to address problematic behaviors by outlining specific strategies to reduce the undesirable behavior and teach new, more appropriate behaviors. The BIP is typically based on the results of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and includes details about the targeted behaviors, the identified function(s) of […]

A Functional Assessment (FA) is a process used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to identify the underlying reasons or functions for a specific behavior. The assessment involves gathering information through observations, interviews, and data collection to determine the antecedents (what happens before the behavior) and consequences (what happens after the behavior). The goal is to

A Functional Analysis (FA) Assessment is a systematic method used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to identify the function of a specific behavior. This process involves manipulating the environment to observe how different conditions influence the occurrence of the behavior. The goal is to determine whether the behavior is maintained by attention, escape, access to

An Establishing Operation (EO) changes the value of a reinforcer (making it more desirable) and increases the likelihood that a behavior leading to that reinforcer will occur. Hunger, thirst, or deprivation are common examples of EOs that influence behaviors in everyday life. Example Let’s say a person is extremely thirsty after exercising. In this case,

An Establishing Operation (EO) is a type of motivating operation (MO) that temporarily alters the effectiveness of a reinforcer or punisher and increases the likelihood of a behavior that has been reinforced or punished by that stimulus in the past. Essentially, an EO makes a particular reinforcer more valuable or desirable, and thus increases the

Reinforcement is a fundamental concept in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and behavioral psychology. It refers to any consequence that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future. Reinforcement can be positive (adding something pleasant) or negative (removing something unpleasant). Example A student is praised for completing their

Socially mediated positive reinforcement is a type of reinforcement where the addition of a socially mediated stimulus (like attention, praise, or access to a tangible object) after a behavior increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in similar circumstances. Example: Let’s say a child completes their homework, and their parent immediately praises them

This refers to a procedure that decreases the value or effectiveness of a specific stimulus or behavior through satiation. Example An example of an abolishing operation (AO) would be the concept of food satiation in a behavior-analytic context. If someone has just eaten a large meal, the value of food as a reinforcer decreases. As