Hungry by Association: The Conditioned Motivating Operation Behind TV Ad Cravings

Question: Becoming hungry after watching a television commercial is an example of what kind of conditioned motivating operation? Answer: Surrogate MO.

The surrogate MO is the keyword of “pairing”. A perfect example of that is what happens to us when we see something on television, whether it’s food or some other sort of tangible item. For some reason, just seeing something creates a state of deprivation for us, comparable to an unconditioned motivating operation. You might not have even been hungry, but for whatever reason, you see this commercial, and all of a sudden, you feel this state of deprivation for the item that is being advertised. Again, whether it’s food, or clothing, or whatever. Another example of pairing might be an association you’ve made. For example, you see a Starbucks cup. It doesn’t have to have coffee in it. You just see that cup, and it creates this “Oh, I need some coffee” feeling, which you might not have felt before.

5th Edition Task List
  • B-12   Define and provide examples of motivating operations.
  • G-2   Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.
  • MiniBig A & B
  • MiniBig G & H
  • MO
  • Section B
  • Section B-12
  • Section G
  • Section G-2
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    There are seven ways to program for generalization. PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into "Indiscriminable Contingencies". Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-11: Define and provide examples of discrimination, generalization, and maintenance; G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.
  • Challenge Your Knowledge of Compound Schedules of ReinforcementChallenge Your Knowledge of Compound Schedules of Reinforcement
    Test your knowledge of concepts and principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she examines a question about one of the compound schedules of reinforcement that has the potential to challenge a client's frustration tolerance. Dana emphasizes the frustrating components of this specific schedule by providing the key features and corresponding applied setting examples. Also included are descriptions of the chained reinforcement schedule and the trial-by-error process. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.
  • Level Up Your Understanding of Differential Reinforcement ProceduresLevel Up Your Understanding of Differential Reinforcement Procedures
    Test your knowledge of differential reinforcement with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the specific DR procedure to provide the client with reinforcement for exhibiting higher rates of the target behavior(s) that already exist in their repertoire. Additionally, Dana draws parallels to personal experiences and highlights skill areas for which clients could benefit from this SR schedule. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).
  • 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.
  • Hungry by Association: The Conditioned Motivating Operation Behind TV Ad CravingsHungry by Association: The Conditioned Motivating Operation Behind TV Ad Cravings
    Put your knowledge of motivating operations to the test. PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into a specific type of CMO and explains how seemingly innocuous visuals on TV ads can trigger a state of deprivation for the advertised item, resembling the effects of an unconditioned motivating operation. Dana presents an intriguing example highlighting the process of pairing and the associations that can unexpectedly ignite intense cravings. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations and G-2 Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.
  • BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Understanding Respondent-Operant InteractionsBreaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Understanding Respondent-Operant Interactions
    Test your behavior-change procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question that explores respondent-operant interactions, comparing and contrasting habilitation, habituation and adaptation, with an emphasis on the importance of reinforcement. The breakdown touches on operant conditioning and its role in behavior change. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.
  • Verbal Operants: Understanding the Roles of Speaker and Listener in a ConversationVerbal Operants: Understanding the Roles of Speaker and Listener in a Conversation
    Test your verbal behavior knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews verbal operants, the roles of the speaker and listener. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-14: Define and provide examples of the verbal operants
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Identify the Stimulus ClassTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Stimulus Class
    Test your knowledge of concepts and principles as PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a question about identifying a specific type of stimulus class, and the features associated with the three main stimulus class variations. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-2: Define and provide examples of stimulus and stimulus class.
  • BCBA® Mock Exam Question Breakdown: Understanding Respondent ConditioningBreaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Understanding Respondent Conditioning
    Test your concepts and principles skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about respondent conditioning, breaking down the process. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.
  • Test Your ABA Terminology: What Are The 3 Types of ExtinctionTest Your ABA Terminology ➠ What Are The 3 Types of Extinction?
    Test your knowledge of Concepts & Principles and Behavior-Change Procedures with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews the different types of operant extinction procedures. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-9: Define and provide examples of operant extinction, G-15: Use extinction.
  • BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Basic Schedules of Intermittent ReinforcementBreaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Basic Schedules of Intermittent Reinforcement
    Enhance your understanding of ABA concepts and principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller's explanation of a BCBA® mock exam question based on basic schedules of intermittent reinforcement, including fixed interval, fixed ratio, variable interval, and variable ratio schedules. Explore the unique patterns of responding associated with each schedule, and learn more about the schedule that produces a postreinforcement pause. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.
  • Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question About Compound Schedules of ReinforcementBreaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Compound Schedules of Reinforcement
    Test your Behavior-Change Procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the chained schedule, compound schedule of reinforcement. Included is a description of the alternative schedule, concurrent schedule, and conjunctive schedule. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.
  • Shaping and chaining are strategies for teaching complex behaviors that are often confused. PTB founder Dana Meller makes the differences clear. Refer to the 6th Edition Test Content Outline Domain G.11: Shape dimensions of behavior; and Domain G.12: Select and implement chaining procedures.Dana Do's: Clearing Up the Confusion Over Shaping and Chaining
    Shaping and chaining are strategies for teaching complex behaviors that are often confused. PTB founder Dana Meller makes the differences clear.
  • What’s a BCBA to do when extinction isn’t appropriate? PTB founder Dana Meller explains how to use a DRA without aversive control.Dana Do's: Fun Fact About Using DRA
    You know how the textbooks say that there are two parts to differential reinforcement, one being reinforcement for the desired behavior and the other extinction for the target behavior? Applying…
  • Punishment is known to have a quick impact on behavior, but there are ethical implications which makes it very controversial. PTB founder Dana Meller offers some considerations when encountering exam questions related to punishment.Dana Do's: Considerations for Exam Questions Related to the Use of Punishment
    Punishment is known to have a quick impact on behavior, but there are ethical implications which makes it very controversial. PTB founder Dana Meller offers some considerations when encountering exam questions related to punishment.
  • Let’s talk contingency independent antecedent intervention… Or, in simpler terms, NCR. Get the scoop on this non-invasive procedure with a quick explainer from PTB founder Dana Meller.Dana Do's: Exploring the Forms and Functions of Noncontingent Reinforcements (NCR)
    Let’s talk contingency independent antecedent intervention… Or, in simpler terms, NCR. Get the scoop on this non-invasive procedure with a quick explainer from PTB founder Dana Meller.
  • Eight guidelines for modeling.Dana Do's: 8 Guidelines for Using Modeling
    Get ready to model as PTB founder Dana Meller walks you through the eight specific guidelines for using modeling.
  • Can can a changing criterion design be used to evaluate shaping programs? Well, PTB founder Dana Meller says, it depends.Dana Do's: Can Changing Criterion Design be Used to Evaluate Shaping Programs?
    Can can a changing criterion design be used to evaluate shaping programs? Well, PTB founder Dana Meller says, it depends.
  • Dana Do's: Extinguished Behaviors Resurge
    When reinforcement for the alternative replacement behavior is discontinued, extinction for the alternative behavior can resurge.
  • Dana Do's: What is the Difference Between Trial-Based and Free-Operant Teaching Arrangements?
    Not too sure about discriminating between the different teaching arrangements? Not to worry. PTB founder Dana Meller is here to explain trial-based vs free operant procedures.
  • If a response prompt and a stimulus prompt both prompt correct responses, what is the difference?Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between Response vs. Stimulus Prompts?
    If a response prompt and a stimulus prompt both prompt correct responses, what is the difference?
  • Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between DRL and DRD?
    Depending on the source, you can get some conflicting information about DRL vs DRD. PTB co-founder Dana Meller clears up the confusion with a more current look at these two reinforcement procedures.
  • Dana Do's: Do Alternative Behaviors Need to be Functionally Equivalent?
    Do alternative behaviors always have to be functionally equivalent to the target behavior that we're trying to reduce or eliminate? PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks in down.
  • Three group contingencies.Dana Do's: Which Group Contingency Do I Use?
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller distills the three different interventions, related by the group. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-18: Use group contingencies.
  • It's particularly meaningful to be able to tell validity, social validity, internal and external validity apart.Dana Do's: How to Decipher the Many Forms of Validity
    It's particularly meaningful to be able to tell validity, social validity, internal and external validity apart. PTB co-founder Dana Meller has some tips to do just that.
  • What chaining methods to use on what behaviors.Dana Do's: What Chaining Method to Use When?
    The books don't really say much about what chaining methods BCBA's should apply to what behaviors. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks it down. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.
  • BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Contingency Contracting ComponentsBreaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Contingency Contracting Components
    Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about contingency contracts and their importance in behavior management. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains the three essential elements of a contingency contract and how they can be effectively implemented to achieve behavior change. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-19: Use contingency contracting.
  • Matching-to-Sample Procedures: Test Your Knowledge and Challenge YourselfMatching-to-Sample Procedures: Test Your Knowledge and Challenge Yourself
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews matching-to-sample procedures, focusing on one specific method where stimuli are not physically identical but have a symbolic relationship. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction.
  • Advice for when you're stuck prepping for the BCBA® exam.Dana Do's: How to Get Unstuck When Studying for the BCBA®
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how to use Multiple Exemplar training to improve your exam application skills. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-21 Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.
  • Response Blocking vs. Extinction. BACB Task List Section G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).Dana Do's: Response Blocking vs. Extinction
    Want an easy way to make the correct discrimination between response blocking and extinction? PTB co-founder Dana Meller borrows from the #starwars universe to help explain. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-16 Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).
  • A Prompt to Understand PromptingDana Do's: Need a Prompt to Understand Prompting?
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a trick for discriminating between response and stimulus prompts. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading)
  • ABA Terminology: Conditioned ReinforderTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Type of Conditioned Reinforcer in This Scenario
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a specific type of conditioned reinforcer. Included is a description of generalized conditioned reinforcers and corresponding examples. Additionally, Dana shares a good rule of thumb for your exam about which stimuli are always identified as generalized conditioned reinforcers. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-3: Establish and use conditioned reinforcers.
  • BCBA® mock exam question about unwanted effects.Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Using Behavior Reduction Procedures
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the utilization of behavior reduction procedures to decrease challenging behavior. Included is a description of extinction, positive punishment, as well as non-contingent reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-14 Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR); G-15: Use extinction and G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).
  • Test your Knowledge of ABA Educational Methodologies: Exploring PSI & Key ConceptsTest your Knowledge of ABA Educational Methodologies ➠ Exploring PSI & Key Concepts
    Test your instructional methodologies knowledge. PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses PSI (Personalized System of Instruction), highlighting essential keywords and key figures associated with PSI to enhance your understanding of this personalized approach to effective learning. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-9: Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements.
  • ABA Terminology: Unwanted EffectsTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Unwanted Effects in Responding
    Test your knowledge of reinforcement and punishment procedures. PTB co-founder Dana Meller addresses the temporary effect in responding that is expected to occur during the implementation of the treatment procedures. Included, Dana contrasts the occurrence of a temporary increase in challenging behavior in an extinction procedure. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.
  • Programming Common StimuliDana Do's: Programming Common Stimuli
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller talks about programming common stimuli and how this method can help students feel more prepared on exam day. Refer to Task List section G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.
  • Break Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Using Physical Guidance to Prompt a ResponseBreaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Using Physical Guidance to Prompt a Response
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down BCBA® mock exam question about prompting, a response utilizing physical guidance. Included is a description of graduated guidance, least-to-most, and most-to-least prompting methods, as well as stimulus shape transformations. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).
  • Test your ABA Terminology:Types of Unwanted Treatment Side Effects ExplainedTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Types of Unwanted Treatment Side Effects Explained
    Test your knowledge of planning interventions with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she explained the types of unwanted treatment side effects. Also included is a description of the two types of contrast effects, positive behavioral contrast and negative behavioral contrast, as well as corresponding examples. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.
  • Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question About Prompt DependenceBreaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Prompt Dependence
    Test your Behavior-Change Procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about how prompt dependence is defined, and a scenario that identifies prompt dependence. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Identify the Difference Between Two Ways to Fade ResponseTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Difference Between Two Ways to Fade Response Prompts
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains with examples, the distinction between two fade response prompts. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Identify the Type of Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) in This ScenarioTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Type of Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller covers the background of DTT and breaks down the four types. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-9: Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements.
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Identify the Differential Reinforcement ProcedureTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Differential Reinforcement Procedure
    Test your behavior-change procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a specific differential reinforcement procedure. Here, Dana compares and contrasts all of the differential reinforcement procedures: #DRL vs. #,DRD, #DRH, #DRO, as well as #DRA vs. #DRI. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Programming for GeneralizationTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Programming for Generalization
    Test your knowledge of behavior-change procedures as PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses generative learning and programming for generalization. Dana explains one of the nine procedures for achieving generalization that emphasizes the need to generalize the response across similar stimuli, while recognizing that different stimuli may require different responses. NOTE: Here, Dana mentions there are seven methods for programming for generalization, which is consistent with the literature for the 4th Edition Task List. But, for the 5th Edition Task List, there are additional methods. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction and G-21 Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.
  • Dana Do's: Discriminating Between Masking and Overshadowing
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers detailed examples to help students better discriminate between two often confusing concepts: masking vs. overshadowing.
  • Dana Do's: Confused About Automatic and Socially Mediated Reinforcement?
    It’s not wrong to associate sterotypic behaviors with automatic reinforcement— but there are other factors to consider. PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers a quick explainer to clear up the confusion. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-7: Define and provide examples of automatic and socially mediated contingencies.
  • 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.
  • ABA terms you need to know: contiguityMaster your ABA Terminology ➠ Exploring Contiguity & the Importance of Timing
    Let's take a quick dive into the concept of contiguity, in both respondent and operant conditioning. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains its significance in understanding behavior change processes. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.
  • The connection between environment & behavior.Breaking Down the Intricate Connection Between Environment & Behavior
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the term environment in connection with a term defined as a physical event that influences how individuals interact with the world around them Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-2: Define and provide examples of stimulus and stimulus class.
  • ABA Terminology Challenge ➠ Respondent-Operant Interactions
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the simultaneous occurrence of respondent and operant conditioning, clarifying the differences between the two and how they influence behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.
  • 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.
  • ABA terms you need to know: negative reinforcement vs. extinction.ABA Terminology Challenge ➠ Negative Punishment vs. Extinction
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller provides insight to better understand why these concepts can be confusing, despite both leading to a decrease in behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-6: Define and provide examples of positive and negative punishment contingencies; and B-9: Define and provide examples of operant extinction.
  • Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about stimulus controlLet's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Stimulus Control & Game-Changing Learning Factors
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question that distills the factors that affect stimulus control in behavior analysis. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control.
  • PTB co-founder Dana Meller clarifies the concepts, providing examples to help better understand these crucial distinctions and addresses common misconceptions between point-to-point correspondence and formal similarity. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-14: Define and provide examples of the verbal operants.Test your Verbal Behavior Terminology ➠ Point-to-Point Correspondence vs. Formal Similarity
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller clarifies the concepts, providing examples to help better understand these crucial distinctions and addresses common misconceptions between point-to-point correspondence and formal similarity. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-14: Define and provide examples of the verbal operants.
  • PTB co-founder Dana Meller delves into the differences and nuances between fixed-time (FT) and variable-time (VT) schedules, as well as fixed-interval (FI) and variable-interval (VI) schedules. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement; and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).The Ultimate Reinforcement Schedules Showdown ➠ FT/VT vs. FI/VI
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller delves into the differences and nuances between fixed-time (FT) and variable-time (VT) schedules, as well as fixed-interval (FI) and variable-interval (VI) schedules. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement; and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).
  • PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the concept of stimulus control, explaining the function of the Sᴰ.Coffee Quandary: Stimulus Control & Absence of Reinforcement in the Pursuit of Hydration
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the concept of stimulus control, explaining the function of the Sᴰ. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control.
  • ABA terms you need to know.Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Operant vs. Respondent Extinction
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains the differences between operant and respondent extinction procedures and how these procedures reduce challenging behaviors and diminish reflex responses in behavior management and conditioning. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.
  • 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.
  • ABA terms you need to know: ratio strain vs. breaking pointABA Terminology Challenge ➠ Ratio Strain vs. Breaking Point
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller clarifies the distinctions between ratio strain and breaking point. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.; and F-5: Conduct preference assessments.
  • PTB co-founder Dana Meller addresses the impact of biases and stereotypes based on common attributes like skin color, gender, race, religion, and nationality, emphasizing the need for positive change and fairness in our responses toward others. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-11: Define and provide examples of discrimination, generalization, and maintenance.An ABA Lens on Racial Inequality, Biases, and Stereotypes
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller addresses the impact of biases and stereotypes based on common attributes like skin color, gender, race, religion, and nationality, emphasizing the need for positive change and fairness in our responses toward others. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-11: Define and provide examples of discrimination, generalization, and maintenance.
  • Dana Do's: Chain Chain Chain, Chain, Chain...
    Which chaining method goes with which behavior? Dana Meller offers some considerations that may help you answer that question on the exam. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section Section G-8: Use chaining.
  • Dana Do's: If All Prompts Prompt Behavior, What's the Difference?
    If all prompts prompt behavior, how can you tell the different between stimulus and response prompts? PTB co-founder Dana Meller simplifies it with one word. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).
  • Self-management: one process, two behaviors. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains controlled vs controlling response, and shares real-life examples of how they are used together in self-management strategies.Dana Do's: Fun Fact. The Process of Self-Management Requires Two Behaviors
    Self-management: one process, two behaviors. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains controlled vs controlling response, and shares real-life examples of how they are used together in self-management strategies.
  • ABA terms you need to know: group contingencies.Test your ABA Terminology ➠The Heroic Quest into Group Contingencies
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into the three types of group contingencies, with a primary focus on one group type. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-18: Use group contingencies.
  • Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about reinforcement schedule.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Response-Independent & Dependent Reinforcement Schedules
    Sharpen your behavior-change skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question that examines an intervention aimed at reducing attention-seeking outbursts. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).
  • PTB co-founder Dana Meller explores the concept of high-probability request sequences. Dana explains how this antecedent intervention technique is a valuable tool for significantly improving compliance and decreasing non-compliance. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-13: Use the high-probability instructional sequence.Revving Up for Compliance: Revealing the High-P Request Sequence Starting Lineup
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller explores the concept of high-probability request sequences. Dana explains how this antecedent intervention technique is a valuable tool for significantly improving compliance and decreasing non-compliance. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-13: Use the high-probability instructional sequence.
  • ABA terms you need to know: positive punishment vs. negative reinforcementABA Terminology ➠ Battle of Aversive Titans: Positive Punishment vs. Negative Reinforcement (G-1, G-16)
    Given the common confusion between terms due to their association with aversive events, PTB co-founder Dana Meller clarifies the distinction between positive punishment and negative reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-1: Use positive and negative reinforcement; and G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection). procedures to strengthen behavior.
  • Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about imitation training.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Let's Get Physical with Imitation Training & Formal Similarity
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a BCBA® mock exam question that targets the essential aspects of imitation training, breaking down the four defining features of successful imitation and how these elements contribute to effective learning and skill acquisition. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-5: Use modeling and imitation training.
  • PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the similarities and key distinctions between response and stimulus prompts, highlighting their role in prompting behavior. Also included, Dana shares effective prompt fading techniques and the temporary nature of prompts to achieve successful outcomes. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Response Prompt vs. Stimulus Prompt
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the similarities and key distinctions between response and stimulus prompts. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).
  • PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into the concept of enhancing reinforcement schedules by adding an extra criterion to motivate quicker and more accurate responses. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.Boosting Speed & Accuracy with Reinforcement Schedule Parameters
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into the concept of enhancing reinforcement schedules by adding an extra criterion to motivate quicker and more accurate responses. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.
  • Defining Features of ShapingShaping Success: Understanding the Procedure and its Dynamic Duo
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller explores the procedure of shaping, discussing the two key features that define its effectiveness. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-7: Use shaping.
  • ABA terms you need to know: self managementSelf Evaluate Your Understanding of ABA Terminology ➠ Self Management
    Explore the world of self-management with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses how controlled responses and self-controlling behaviors lead to improved behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-20: Use self-management strategies.
  • Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about stimulus equivalence.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Analyzing Untrained Reverse Relations in Stimulus Equivalence
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about the concept of stimulus equivalence, focusing on the one that leads to an untrained relation with a reverse relation. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction.
  • Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about extinction procedure.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: This Factor Won't Derail Extinction Procedure Success
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller has an exciting challenge for all of you behavior-change enthusiasts as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question centered on extinction procedures. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-15: Use extinction.
  • Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about chaining.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Level Up Your Chaining Game for Maximum Efficiency & Natural SR+
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews and breaks down in detail a BCBA® mock exam question about different chaining methods in behavior analysis. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.
  • Sharpen your understanding of self-management with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she highlights the two crucial behaviors involved in self-management. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-20: Use self-management strategies.Awaken Your Inner Boss: Self Management for Behavior Change Champions
    Sharpen your understanding of self-management with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she highlights the two crucial behaviors involved in self-management. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-20: Use self-management strategies.
  • PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the two types of shaping procedures, one of which teaches novel behaviors and the other improves existing behaviors. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-7: Use shaping.ABA Terminology ➠ The Dynamic Duo of Behavior Transformation via Shaping Procedures
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the two types of shaping procedures, one of which teaches novel behaviors and the other improves existing behaviors. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-7: Use shaping.
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