ABA Glossary

By Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA
Edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D
ABA Glossary by Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA, edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D

Reinforcement

A stimulus change following a behavior leading to said behavior occurring more often or strengthening the duration, latency, magnitude, or topography of said behavior in the future.

5th Edition Task List

B-4  Define and provide examples of positive and negative reinforcement contingencies.

6th Edition TCO

B.4 Identify and distinguish between positive and negative reinforcement contingencies.

Related Content

  • Positive reinforcement
    A process that occurs when a behavior is followed immediately by the presentation of a stimulus that increases the future frequency of that and similar behaviors under similar conditions.
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  • Free-operant avoidance
    When the contingency for behavior is that it prevents and/or delays the onset of an aversive stimulus. The avoidant response occurs without the presence of a signal/SD and can occur…
  • Escape contingency
    When a behavior results in the termination of an ongoing aversive stimulus.
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    A signaled (SD) contingency for behavior that indicates that engaging in the behavior will prevent and/or delay the onset of an aversive stimulus. Hint: In Los Angeles, when the weather…
  • Avoidance contingency
    When a behavior prevents the onset of aversive stimulus.
  • The concepts of punishment and reinforcement can sometimes confuse exam candidates. PTB co-founder Dana Meller clears things up, explaining nuances between the two and sharing her tips for making better discriminations on exam day. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-4: Define and provide examples of positive and negative reinforcement contingencies and B-6: Define and provide examples of positive and negative punishment contingencies.Dana Do's: Let's Clear Up the Confusion Between Punishment and Reinforcement
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    A stimulus change that comes after a behavior.
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    The phenomenon that behavior is modified by consequences, even if a person is unaware of the contingency.
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    PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses two concepts that fall under negative reinforcement, breaks down their differences, and explains how they operate in various situations. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-4: Define and provide examples of positive and negative reinforcement contingencies; and G-1: Use positive and negative reinforcement procedures to strengthen behavior.
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    Test your Concepts and Principles skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about negative reinforcement. Included is a description of CMOS, free operant avoidance, and discriminated avoidance, as well as corresponding detailed examples. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-4: Define and provide examples of positive and negative reinforcement contingencies.
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