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

Fixed ratio schedule (FR)

A basic schedule of intermittent reinforcement in which a fixed number of correct responses must be emitted for reinforcement to be delivered.

5th Edition Task List

B-5  Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.

6th Edition TCO

B.9 Identify and distinguish among simple schedules of reinforcement.

Related Content

  • Variable ratio schedule (VR)
    A basic schedule of intermittent reinforcement in which a variable number of correct responses must be emitted for reinforcement to be delivered.
  • Variable interval schedule (VI)
    A basic schedule of intermittent reinforcement in which a variable amount of time must elapse before a single correct response produces reinforcement.
  • Progressive schedule of reinforcement
    A variation of basic intermittent schedules of reinforcement in which the criteria for reinforcement is systematically increased, independent of the client’s behavior, until responding stops (the breaking point).
  • Post reinforcement pause
    A pause in responding that follows the delivery of reinforcement on fixed interval or fixed ratio schedules of reinforcement.
  • Limited hold
    A component that can be added to a schedule of reinforcement limiting access to reinforcement for correct responses that occur within a specific and fixed time.
  • Lag schedule of reinforcement
    A variation of basic intermittent schedules of reinforcement in which reinforcement is delivered for any response that differs in topography, sequence, etc., from a previously reinforced response.
  • Intermittent reinforcement
    A reinforcement schedule during which only some instances of a behavior are reinforced.
  • Fixed interval schedule (FI)
    A basic schedule of intermittent reinforcement in which a fixed amount of time must elapse before a single correct response produces reinforcement.
  • Fixed interval (FI) scallop
    A pattern of responding specific to the fixed interval schedule of reinforcement, when the rate of responding decreases after the delivery of reinforcement, but gradually increases and speeds up at…
  • Delays to reinforcement schedule
    A variation of basic intermittent schedules of reinforcement in which reinforcement for correct responding is delayed for the purpose of teaching self-control, tolerance of delayed gratification, functional communication, etc.
  • ABA terms you need to know: tandem scheduleTandem schedules of reinforcement
    A compound schedule of reinforcement in which two or more un-signaled (No SD) basic schedules of reinforcement are in effect and must be met successively for the response to contact…
  • Ratio strain
    When challenging behaviors reemerge because of an abruptly thinned reinforcement schedule.
  • Multiple schedules of reinforcement
    A compound schedule of reinforcement in which two or more basic schedules of reinforcement are in effect and alternated in a random sequence for one or more behaviors. An SD…
  • Mixed schedules of reinforcement
    A compound schedule of reinforcement in which two or more un-signaled (No SDs) basic schedules of reinforcement are in effect in an alternating, random sequence for one or more behaviors.
  • ABA terms you need to know: matching law.Matching law
    A behavioral concept that maintains that behavior is produced in direct proportion to the reinforcement that is available for that behavior. Hint: We make behavior choices at every moment, and…
  • Differential reinforcement of high rates of responding (DRH)
    A differential reinforcement procedure that is a variation of basic intermittent schedules of reinforcement. Reinforcement is delivered when an individual engages in a behavior at/or above a pre-established rate during…
  • Consequence
    A stimulus change that comes after a behavior.
  • Concurrent schedules of reinforcement
    A compound schedule of reinforcement in which clients choose between two or more behaviors associated with different signaled (SD) schedules of reinforcement that are correlated with each behavior option.
  • Conjunctive schedules of reinforcement
    A compound schedule of reinforcement in which reinforcement is delivered when the completion of the response requirements for both a ratio and interval schedule have been met.
  • ABA terms you need to know: chained schedules of reinforcement.Chained schedules of reinforcement
    A compound schedule of reinforcement in which a sequence of two or more signaled (SD) basic schedules of reinforcement must be met successively for the response to contact reinforcement.
  • Alternative schedules of reinforcement
    A compound schedule of reinforcement in which reinforcement is delivered when the requirement of either a ratio or interval schedule is met, regardless of which of the component schedule requirements…
  • ABA terms you need to know: adjunctive behaviors.Adjunctive behaviors
    Time-filling behaviors that occur as a result of reinforcement schedules, at times when reinforcement isn’t available. These behaviors are not related to the specific reinforcement yet tend to occur in…
  • Chained and tandem schedules are both compound schedules. They require correct responding that must also occur in a specific order for reinforcement to be delivered. But that may not be as easy as it sounds. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains. Refer to the 5th Edition Task List Section B-5 Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.Dana Do's: Chained Versus Tandem Schedules Explained
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    What is the difference between these two natural human behavior phenomena, rooted in consequences? Dana Meller breaks it down.
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