Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Fundamentals Flashcards

What is 'shaping' in Applied Behavior Analysis?

Answer: Reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior

Shaping involves reinforcing behaviors that progressively resemble the target behavior, gradually raising the criteria until the full target behavior is achieved.

Which reinforcement schedule typically produces the highest and most stable rate of responding?

Answer: Variable ratio

Variable ratio schedules deliver reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, producing high, steady response rates that are most resistant to extinction.

What is a token economy?

Answer: A conditioned reinforcement system where tokens are exchanged for backup reinforcers

A token economy is a behavior change system in which tokens are earned as conditioned reinforcers for target behaviors and later exchanged for preferred backup reinforcers.

What does the Premack Principle state?

Answer: High-frequency behaviors can be used to reinforce low-frequency behaviors

The Premack Principle states that access to a preferred (high-frequency) activity can serve as a reinforcer for a less preferred (low-frequency) behavior.

In ABA, what is 'generalization'?

Answer: Applying a behavior learned in one setting to new settings, people, or stimuli

Generalization occurs when a learned behavior transfers to untrained stimuli, settings, or people, which is a key goal of effective ABA intervention.

Which type of prompt involves the technician physically guiding the learner through a behavior?

Answer: Physical prompt

A physical prompt involves hand-over-hand or other physical contact to guide the learner through the correct response, and should be faded as quickly as possible.

What is 'prompt fading' in ABA?

Answer: Gradually removing prompts over time so the learner responds independently

Prompt fading is the systematic reduction of prompts over time to transfer stimulus control to natural cues and promote independent responding.