Shaping is a strategy for building novel or new behaviors, and this strategy includes two parts: systematically and differentially reinforcing successive approximations. Lets begin with differential reinforcement successive approximations to a terminal response. Think of these approximations like building blocks that lead you to build the complete structure, the terminal response, and the final learned behavior. Differential reinforcement in shaping means that you are reinforcing responses that meet a specific criterion along some dimension: frequency, magnitude, and anything less is placed on extinction. The successive approximations are the gradual and progressive changes in the criteria that have to be met in this sequence of response classes that emerge during the shaping process, which are the result of differential reinforcement. Each successive approximation is closer in form to the actual terminal behavior than the previous approximation or response class it’s replacing.

There are two different methods for shaping. Do keep in mind that shaping means you can shape any measurable dimension of a behavior. The first type is called “shaping across response topographies.” This one is specifically for teaching novel behaviors. In this version, each successive approximation is going to vary in form from the other approximations. Response forms are going to change with each approximation, leading up to the terminal target behavior. For example, if I wanted to teach a client to say, “I want more, please,” I would first teach them “more,'” then I would teach them “want more,” then “I want more,” and finally, “I want more, please,” and so on. What you can see is that the word “more” and the phrase “I want more, please” are very different response forms topographically, and that’s across-response topography.

The second method is “shaping within response topography.” This is if you’re going to shape a behavior that’s already in the client’s repertoire, but some other measurable dimension of that behavior isn’t at a desired performance level. In this version, the actual response form remains the same, but that other measurable dimension has to change, whether it’s rate, latency, duration, magnitude, volume, etc. Let’s think about a client who talks too loud. They can already talk; you just want to shape the volume of their voice. Think about jogging; maybe you’re jogging too slow, or think about somebody who’s working on pitching a baseball; maybe it’s just not enough force. Again, the behavior stays the same, but another measurable dimension is what’s shaped in shaping within response topographies.

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A strategy for teaching novel behaviors using successive approximations to a terminal response, which are differentially reinforced until the client is able to differentiate the terminal response from the successive…

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Test your measurement, data display, and interpretation knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses one specific measurement system that measures the effect of the behavior after its occurrence. Here, Dana details the two ways someone could implement this type of measurement system, provides examples of scenarios and a variety of corresponding measurement methods, and highlights some of the pros of utilizing this type of measurement system. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-2: Distinguish among direct, indirect, and product measures of behavior.

Experimental Design Terminology ➠ The Baseline Logic Blueprint & the Sum of Its Parts

Join PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses baseline logic in single-subject experimental designs. Dana breaks down the four essential elements of baseline logic and how these elements play a crucial role in demonstrating experimental control and confirming the effectiveness of interventions. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-3: Identify the defining features of single-subject experimental designs (e.g., individuals serve as their own controls, repeated measures, prediction, verification, replication).

Test 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.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Master Your Understanding of Autoclitic Verbal Behavior

PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the complexities of autoclitics and their role in effective communication. Enhance your understanding of this secondary verbal operant as Dana presents real-life examples of autoclitics and their significance, particularly for individuals with social disabilities. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-14: Define and provide examples of the verbal operants.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Correct Dimension of ABA

Test your understanding of philosophical underpinnings with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews the dimension of ABA, exhibited when a behavior analyst utilizes assessment methods to identify the function of challenging behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-5: Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Compound Schedules of Reinforcement

Test your knowledge of Concepts and Principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews one of the compound schedules of reinforcement without Sᴰs. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.

Understanding Mentalism Terminology

Test your understanding of philosophical underpinnings with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the term mentalism and its association with explanations and practices in traditional psychology. Dana breaks down the three terms upon which mentalism is reliant: Hypothetical Construct, Explanatory Fiction, and Circular Reasoning. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-5: Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Riley, 1968).

ABA Terminology ➠ Stimuli Paired in Respondent Conditioning

Test your ABA terminology. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.

Test Your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Verbal Operant Explained in This Scenario

Test your ABA Terminology. What is the verbal operant described in this scenario? Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-14: Define and provide examples of the verbal operants

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Pivotal Behavior vs. Behavior Cusp

Test your behavior assessment knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she compares and contrasts pivotal behavior vs. behavior cusp, providing several corresponding examples of each, as they relate to identifying the target behaviors that need prioritization for treatment. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section F-3: Identify and prioritize socially significant behavior-change goals.

Test 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.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Interpret Descriptive Assessment Data

Test your knowledge of interpreting descriptive assessment ABC data with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Here she discusses conditional probability, including the rules that apply, and provides a step-by-step example using the calculation formula and how to report these data. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections F-7: Conduct a descriptive assessment of problem behavior; F-9: Interpret functional assessment data.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Matching Law vs. Behavioral Contrast

Put your ABA terminology knowledge to the test with #PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she compares two commonly confused terms: Matching Law vs. Behavioral Contrast, and discusses corresponding examples of each. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement, and H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Temporal Contiguity Explained in Detail

Test your knowledge of concepts and principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the term temporal contiguity, its association with operant and respondent conditioning. Here, Dana breaks down the different relationship factors that contiguity shares with operant and respondent conditioning. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify This Experimental Design Scenario

Test your ABA terminology with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she offers guidance to identify the specific experimental design relating to a scenario. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Name the Conditioned Motivating Operation (CMO) in This Scenario

Test your knowledge of ABA concepts and principles as PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a memorable question about the specific conditioned motivating operation (CMO) described in the scenario, as well as provides additional examples. Included are a description of the CMO pairing process and the resulting behavior and value-altering effects acquired through the pairing process. As a BONUS, Dana shares a tip that will help you on the Big Exam with questions related to CMO. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Derivative Measures Explained

Put your knowledge of occurence measurement to the test with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the two types of derivative measures, and each of their defining features and applications. Dana focuses on the derivative measure used for comparing two or more procedures, teaching clients new skills, evaluating mastery over a class of concepts, and the various measurement methods. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-6: Measure trials to criterion.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ MO vs Sᵈ

Test your understanding of antecedents and behavior change with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Here she explains the distinction between Sᵈs and MOs, explores their evocative function, and discusses how they can alter our behavioral repertoire when combined. Through relatable examples, Dana illustrates the importance of understanding the interplay between Sᵈs and MOs in behavior change. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control and B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Understanding Behavior-Altering Effects

Test your terminology. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains the umbrella term, "Motivating Operations" and breaks down the sub-categories. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Indicators of Trustworthy Measurement

Test your knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she explains the specific indicator of trustworthy measurement that corresponds with repeated measurement yielding the same result. Included is a description of all three indicators of trustworthy measurement validity, accuracy, and reliability. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

Test Your ABA Ethics Terminology ➠ Multiple Relationships

At all costs, avoid multiple relationships. Refer to BACB® | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | Section 1.11: Multiple Relationships

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Confounding Threats to Internal Validity

Test your knowledge of measurement confounds with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses one of the four types of threats to internal validity, with corresponding examples. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Fundamental Properties of Behavior Change

Test your ability to interpret graphed data with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Here she explains the three fundamental properties of behavior change, focusing on one specific property akin to an average or median. Included are descriptions of level, trend, variability, and the y-axis. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-11: Interpret graphed data.

Test 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.

Test your ABA Ethics ➠ Practicing Within Scope of Competence

Test your ABA Ethics Knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviewing the ethics behind practicing within one’s scope of competence. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section E-1: Responsible conduct of behavior analysts BACB® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts: Section 1.05: Practicing Within Scope of Competence