Glossary Terms

Least-to-Most Prompt Fading is a strategy where prompts are given in a sequence from the least intrusive to the most intrusive. Initially, minimal assistance is provided, and more intrusive prompts (e.g., verbal, gestural, physical) are added only if the learner does not respond correctly. This method allows the learner to attempt the task as independently […]

Latency refers to the amount of time that passes between a given prompt or cue and the initiation of the desired behavior. It measures how long it takes for a person to begin the behavior after being prompted. Example Imagine a teacher tells a student, “Please start your math homework.” If the student begins working

Inter-response time (IRT) is the amount of time that elapses between the end of one occurrence of a behavior and the start of the next occurrence of that same behavior. IRT is often used to measure the temporal spacing of behavior, helping to understand the pattern or rate of responses over time. Example Imagine you’re

Intermittent Reinforcement is a schedule of reinforcement in which a behavior is only reinforced some of the time it occurs, rather than after every instance of the behavior. This approach is used to make behaviors more resistant to extinction, as the individual does not know when reinforcement will happen, thereby maintaining or increasing the behavior

Indirect Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) Procedures are methods used to gather information about a student’s behavior by relying on sources other than direct observation. These methods typically involve structured or unstructured interviews, rating scales, or questionnaires completed by individuals familiar with the student, such as parents, teachers, or caregivers. Indirect FBAs help to gather information

A High Probability (High-p) Sequence, also known as Behavior Momentum, is a strategy used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that involves presenting a series of instructions or tasks with a high probability of the learner’s compliance (tasks the learner is likely to complete) before presenting a more challenging or lower-probability task (one the learner typically

A Gestural Prompt is a type of prompt used in teaching or behavior interventions where the trainer uses physical gestures or movements to guide the learner toward the correct response. These prompts are nonverbal and involve actions such as pointing, nodding, or signaling, which help the learner understand what behavior or response is expected without

Generalization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) refers to the ability of an individual to apply learned behaviors or skills in new and different contexts that differ from the original teaching environment. This means the individual can transfer and use the learned behavior across various settings, with different people, or in response to different stimuli. Generalization

A Partial Physical Prompt is a form of assistance where the therapist or instructor provides some physical guidance to the learner, but not full support. The guidance is less intrusive compared to a full physical prompt and is typically given only for the parts of the task where the learner struggles. The goal is to

A Full Physical Prompt involves the therapist or instructor physically guiding the learner through the entire task or activity to ensure correct performance. This type of prompt is used when the learner is unable to complete the task independently or requires full assistance to understand the task requirements. It is often used as part of