Glossary Terms

Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) refers to the scientific approach to studying behavior by examining its basic processes and principles in controlled settings. EAB involves systematic manipulation of variables to understand how environmental factors influence behavior. This method emphasizes the importance of direct observation, measurement, and experimentation to establish cause-and-effect relationships between behaviors and their antecedents or consequences. Example A researcher conducting an experimental […]

Effective refers to one of the seven dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which emphasizes that interventions should result in meaningful and significant changes in behavior. ABA aims to produce improvements that are large enough to have a practical impact on the individual’s life. For an intervention to be considered effective, it must produce clinically or socially significant behavior changes that enhance

Differential Reinforcement is a behavior modification technique in which reinforcement is provided for responses that meet specific criteria, while other responses are not reinforced. This strategy is used to shape desired behaviors by reinforcing responses that vary along dimensions such as frequency, duration, intensity, or accuracy, while extinguishing or not reinforcing undesired responses. Example A teacher uses differential reinforcement to shape a student’s

Control in behavior analysis refers to the ability to influence or manipulate variables in a way that allows one to predict the occurrence or non-occurrence of behavior with a certain degree of confidence. It involves understanding the relationship between the independent variable (intervention) and the dependent variable (behavior), where manipulation of the independent variable leads to predictable changes in the

Determinism is a fundamental philosophical assumption in behavior analysis that presumes the universe operates in a lawful, orderly manner, where all phenomena, including behavior, occur as a result of identifiable causes and events. According to this view, behavior does not happen randomly; instead, it is determined by preceding environmental and contextual factors. Example A behavior analyst observing a child’s

Description in the context of behavior analysis refers to the process of collecting and organizing factual information about observed events, particularly in relation to the behaviors of interest. Description focuses on objectively documenting what is happening without making assumptions about why the behavior occurs. Example A behavior analyst observes a student in a classroom and records detailed descriptions of the student’s behavior. For

Conditioned Reinforcer refers to a stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring in the future because it has been paired with other reinforcers in the past. Unlike unconditioned reinforcers (such as food or water, which are inherently reinforcing), conditioned reinforcers acquire their reinforcing power through learning and association with other primary or secondary reinforcers. Example A token in a

Conditioned Punisher refers to a stimulus that decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring in the future because it has been paired with another punisher in the past. Unlike unconditioned punishers (like pain or loud noises, which are inherently punishing), conditioned punishers acquire their punishing effects through an individual’s learning history and associations with other aversive stimuli. Example A teacher

Conceptually Systematic refers to one of the seven dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which requires that all interventions and procedures used in behavior analysis be rooted in, and explained by, the underlying principles of behavior. The interventions should be clearly tied to the basic concepts of reinforcement, punishment, stimulus control, and other behavioral principles, ensuring consistency and replicability across different contexts. Example In an

Behaviorism is a branch of behavior analysis that focuses on understanding behavior through the lens of observable actions, while avoiding assumptions about internal states like thoughts or feelings. It examines the philosophical, theoretical, and historical foundations of behavior, emphasizing the idea that all behavior is learned through interactions with the environment and can be measured and modified using scientific methods. Example A behaviorist