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

Discriminated avoidance

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 report signals rain, people stay home. That is the discriminated avoidant behavior. In test questions, look for a signal or warning, and the avoidant behavior. Both need to be there. 

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • ABA terms you need to know: negative reinforcement.Negative reinforcement
    A process that occurs when a behavior is followed immediately by the reduction or removal of a stimulus that increases the future frequency of that and similar behaviors under similar…
  • 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.
  • 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
    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.
  • Consequence
    A stimulus change that comes after a behavior.
  • Automaticity of reinforcement and punishment
    The phenomenon that behavior is modified by consequences, even if a person is unaware of the contingency.
  • 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.Don't Get Caught in the Rain...Without Your Negative Reinforcement Umbrella
    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.
  • Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Hypothesize the Function of Disruptive Behavior in Circle Time
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question, exploring various possibilities, automatic, unconditioned, negative, and positive reinforcement, to better understand the reasons behind the behavior in this scenario. 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.
  • Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Negative Reinforcement ContingenciesBreaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Negative Reinforcement Contingencies
    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.
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Explore the 2 Types of Negative ReinforcementTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Explore the 2 Types of Negative Reinforcement
    Test your understanding of negative reinforcement with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the two specific types and details and nuances using relatable examples that significantly impact our everyday lives. 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.
    • Shopping Cart

    DAYS LEFT TO PASS

    Exam Changes to 6th Ed TCO on Jan. 1, 2025

    Days : Hours : Minutes : Seconds

    PASS IN 2024
    Scroll to Top