ABA Terminology Challenge ➠ Ratio Strain vs. Breaking Point

Ratio strain versus breaking point are two terms that I have found are often mixed up, so let’s clarify. Ratio strain has to do with thinning reinforcement schedules. Schedules of reinforcement should absolutely be thinned, but they have to be thinned gradually to avoid ratio strain, which describes what happens when we thin too abruptly. That can be increases in challenging behaviors or new behavior surfacing, like non-compliance, avoidance, and aggression. This type of response is the direct result of extreme increases in ratio requirements when we move from what we call denser schedules (that’s a lot of reinforcement) to thinner schedules (less reinforcement). But, when you thin gradually, that’s less jarring, and the client gradually experiences that thinning change, and therefore is less likely to exhibit some of these increases or new problem behaviors.

In contrast to breaking point, which has to do specifically with the progressive schedule of reinforcement or progressive schedule reinforcer assessment, that’s the primary measure of interest; it’s what we seek with the schedule because we want to find out how far the reinforcer is going to go. We systematically thin each successive reinforcement opportunity, completely independent of the client’s behavior, and keep doing that until the client stops responding. That moment is what we call the breaking point. It helps to assess the strength of the reinforcer; essentially, how far can that reinforcer go? This is based on the assumption that there is a direct relationship between how hard we work and the potency of the specific reinforcer, which, again, is assessed by looking at the breaking point, the “how far” that reinforcement can go or how far it went.

  • B-5   Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.
  • F-5   Conduct preference assessments.
  • Breaking Point
  • Ratio Strain
  • Section B
  • Section B-5
  • Section F
  • Section F-5
  • Related Content

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  • Alternative schedules of reinforcement
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  • 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.
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    Behaviors that that occur in between the provision of reinforcement when reinforcement isn’t available and are maintained independent of reinforcement contingencies, but exist due to the contingencies being available for …

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  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 …

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  • 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.
  • 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.
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    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 …

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  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ratio strain
    When challenging behaviors reemerge because of an abruptly thinned reinforcement schedule.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Consequence
    A stimulus change that comes after a behavior.
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  • Stimulus preference assessment
    A collection of assessment activities used to identify preferred stimuli that are likely to function as reinforcers.
  • Reinforcer assessment
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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.
  • Mock BCBA® Exam Question Breakdown: Identify the Best Example of Response GeneralizationBreak Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identify the Best Example of Response Generalization
    Test your concepts and principles skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about response generalization. Dana highlights the differences between response generalization vs. stimulus generalization and shares a good rule of thumb for evaluating a response generalization scenario. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-11: Define and provide examples of discrimination, generalization, and maintenance.
  • Test your ABA Terminology: MO vs. SDTest 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.
  • Programming for Generalization: Expanding Skills Beyond the Learning EnvironmentProgramming for Generalization: Expanding Skills Beyond the Learning Environment
    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.
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Understanding Behavior-Altering EffectsTest 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: 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.
  • Mastering the ABCs of BehaviorPTB's Special ABA Sauce: Mastering the ABCs of Behavior
    Test your understanding of the ABCs of Behavior with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she analyzes a tasty scenario to identify the MO, SD, prompt, behavior, and consequence using PTB's special ABC breakdown method. Discover how ordering extra sauce serves as a perfect example to unravel the intricate relationship between MOs, deprivation, SDs, and reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-1: Define and provide examples of behavior, response, and response class, B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control, B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations and G-4: Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).
  • Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about FA.Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Play Along & Identify the Demand Condition in this FA Scenario
    Test your behavior assessment skills. Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about functional analysis (FA) including its role in testing for the escape function of behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section F-8: Conduct a functional analysis of problem behavior.
  • Functional Analysis (FA) ConditionAttention, Please... Master Your Understanding of This Original FA Condition
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the original condition of functional analysis (FA) and the initial withholding of attention. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section F-8: Conduct a functional analysis of problem behavior.
  • Test your ABA Terminology: Functional Assessment ProceduresTest your ABA Terminology ➠ Functional Assessment Procedures
    Focusing on ABC data collection, PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses functional assessment procedures. Dana explains how to generate mathematical probabilities for target behaviors based on specific antecedents and consequences, providing a step-by-step guide to quantitatively analyzing the gathered information. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections F-7: Conduct a descriptive assessment of problem behavior and F-9: Interpret functional assessment data.
  • Test Your Descriptive Assessment Skills: ABC Recording MethodsTest Your Descriptive Assessment Skills ➠ ABC Recording Methods
    Get a comprehensive overview of ABC Recording Methods. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the two types, along with their differences, benefits, and practical applications. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections F-7: Conduct a descriptive assessment of problem behavior; and F-9: Interpret functional assessment data.
  • ABA terms you need to know: ABC recording methodTest Your ABA Behavior Assessment Terminology ➠ ABC Recording Methods
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the two types of ABC recording methods, focusing on each technique's differences and accuracy concerns. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section F-7: 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: Pivotal Behavior vs. Behavior CuspTest 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: Interpret Descriptive Assessment DataTest 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.
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