Glossary Terms

A Verbal Prompt is a verbal cue, instruction, or hint given to a learner to assist them in performing the correct response. Verbal prompts can range from a simple instruction or reminder to a more detailed explanation, depending on the level of support needed by the learner. Example If a teacher asks a student to […]

A Variable Ratio (VR) schedule of reinforcement provides reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses. The exact number of responses needed for reinforcement varies, but it averages out over time. This type of schedule is known to produce a high and steady rate of responding because the individual does not know when the next reinforcement

A Variable Interval (VI) schedule of reinforcement delivers reinforcement for a behavior after an unpredictable amount of time has passed, but the intervals average out over time. The learner doesn’t know exactly when the next reinforcement will occur, which encourages consistent responding because reinforcement could happen at any moment. Example A teacher praises a student

A Token Economy is a system of reinforcement in which individuals earn tokens, points, or other symbolic representations for engaging in desirable behaviors. These tokens can later be exchanged for backup reinforcers, such as privileges, activities, or tangible items. The token system helps bridge the gap between the desired behavior and the delivery of the

Time Delay Prompt Fading is a technique used to promote independent responding by gradually increasing the time between the delivery of an instruction and the presentation of a prompt. The idea is to give the learner more opportunities to respond independently before receiving help. Over time, as the learner becomes more successful, the delay is

Task Modification involves altering a task to make it more manageable or accessible for the learner, often to reduce the occurrence of problem behaviors or increase engagement. The modifications can be related to the task’s difficulty, duration, materials, or instructions to meet the individual’s needs. Example A student is having difficulty completing a 20-question worksheet

Stimulus Generalization occurs when a behavior that was reinforced in the presence of one stimulus is exhibited in the presence of other stimuli that are similar, but not identical, to the original stimulus. This means the individual responds to a range of stimuli that resemble the one used in training. Example A child is taught

Stimulus Discrimination refers to the ability to differentiate between different stimuli and respond appropriately to each. It occurs when a behavior is reinforced in the presence of one stimulus (discriminative stimulus, or SD) but not in the presence of other stimuli (S-deltas), leading the learner to respond only when the correct stimulus is present. Example

Shaping is a process in which successive approximations of a target behavior are reinforced, gradually guiding the individual toward the desired behavior. Instead of waiting for the complete behavior to occur, small steps or improvements toward the final behavior are reinforced, encouraging progression. Example If a teacher is teaching a child to speak clearly, they

An S-Delta (S∆) is a stimulus in the presence of which a specific behavior will not be reinforced. It signals to the learner that a particular response will not result in reinforcement, indicating that the behavior is not appropriate or effective in that context. Example If a child asks for candy when a parent is