Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Fundamentals Flashcards

What does the 'A' in the ABC model of behavior analysis stand for?

Answer: Antecedent

The ABC model stands for Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence, which describes the three-term contingency central to ABA.

Which of the following is the best example of positive reinforcement?

Answer: Giving a sticker after a child completes a task

Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus (sticker) following a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

In ABA, what is 'extinction'?

Answer: Withholding reinforcement that previously maintained a behavior

Extinction is the process of withholding the reinforcer that previously maintained a behavior, which over time reduces the frequency of that behavior.

What is a discriminative stimulus (SD)?

Answer: A cue that signals reinforcement is available for a specific behavior

A discriminative stimulus (SD) signals to the learner that a particular response will be reinforced, increasing the likelihood of that response.

What is the primary purpose of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?

Answer: To identify the function or purpose a behavior serves for an individual

An FBA identifies the function (e.g., attention, escape, access to tangibles, sensory) that a behavior serves, which guides the development of effective interventions.

Which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement?

Answer: Removing a loud noise when a child puts on headphones

Negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus (loud noise) following a behavior (putting on headphones), which increases that behavior in the future.

What is differential reinforcement in ABA?

Answer: Reinforcing a specific target behavior while withholding reinforcement for other behaviors

Differential reinforcement involves reinforcing a specific desired behavior while placing other behaviors on extinction, allowing selective strengthening of target responses.