Vocabulary
Acquisition
The ability to perform a newly learned behavior with some level of accuracy
Antecedent
An event that happens before a behavior that reliably predicts that the behavior will occur again
Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence Data
Information that identifies what occurred before a behavior, the behavior itself, and what occurred just after the behavior
Behavior
Any action that is observable and measurable
Behavioral Objective
A statement of what a learner will be able to do after instruction occurs
Consequence
An event that occurs after a behavior that reliably predicts that the behavior will occur again
Cue
The first signal that it is time to demonstrate a behavior
Discriminative Stimuli (Sd)
Environmental cues signaling the right conditions for demonstrating a behavior exist
Fluency
The rate at which a behavior is performed
Functional Behavior Assessment
The process of identifying the function(s) of a behavior and identifying replacement behaviors to reinforce
Function of Behavior
The reason a behavior occurs
Functional Equivalent
A replacement behavior that serves the same function as effectively as an inappropriate behavior
Functional Relationship
A connection between a behavior and the environment
Generalization
The ability to perform a behavior in a variety of circumstances
IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Individualized Educational Program (IEP)
A written plan that includes a learner's annual goals, short-term objectives, modifications and accommodations, related and support services, and a schedule of services
Learned Reinforcer
A valued item, event, or activity that is not biologically necessary
Learning Rate
How quickly new behaviors are learned
Maintenance
The ability to perform a behavior in the absence of teaching
Natural Reinforcement
A preferred item, event, or activity ordinarily available in the environment that increases a behavior
Negative Reinforcement
A non-preferred item, event, or activity is removed or reduced to increase a behavior
Non-Discriminative Stimuli (SΔ)
Environmental non-cues signaling the right conditions for demonstrating a behavior do not exist
Operational Definition
A written description of a behavior using terms that are observable and measurable
Positive Reinforcement
The use of highly preferred items, events, or activities to increase a behavior
Primary Reinforcement
The use of highly preferred edibles and liquids to increase a behavior
Prompt
Assistance added to increase the performance accuracy of a behavior
Punishment
The use of highly non-preferred items, events, or activities to decrease a behavior
Redirection
Varying levels of assistance that are provided to facilitate a different behavior
Reinforcement Sampling
A process of introducing and removing potential reinforcers to determine their value
Reinforcement Schedule
The timing of reinforcement
Satiation
Reinforcement that loses its value because it has occurred so frequently
Secondary Reinforcement
The use of highly preferred items, events, or activities to increase a behavior
Social Reinforcement
The use of social attention to increase a behavior
Stimulus
Any environmental condition or event
Stimulus Control
The process of establishing cues so that a behavior occurs only under the right circumstances
Trial
A sequence that includes a cue, a response, and reinforcement or not depending on the correctness of the response
Uncontrolled Reinforcer
A preferred item, event, or activity that occurs without demonstrating the requirements for reinforcement
Unlearned Reinforcer
A valued item or event that is biologically necessary
