Dana Do’s: Fun Fact. The Process of Self-Management Requires Two Behaviors

Fun fact: the process of self-management requires two behaviors.

“That sounds complicated Dana. I can barely get it together to engage in one behavior. Now I have to engage in two?”

Yes, I’m afraid so.

We all want to make changes in some of our behaviors or patterns of behavior but that takes some work, deliberate and systematic intervention. These two self-management behaviors are referred to as “controlling response” and “controlled response”.

The controlling response is the behavior that helps you to achieve your goal to engage in the desired behavior. The controlled response is that actual desired behavior. For example, if the controlled response is going to the gym three times a week, then a controlling response would be any of the behaviors you would engage in to meet that goal: set out your gym clothes or put your gym clothes on first thing in the morning.

Let’s say you want to snack less. Eating fewer snacks is the goal. Therefore, the controlled response are all the things you do to help yourself succeed, like avoid keeping snacks in the house or fill up unhealthy snacks. Those are the controlling behaviors.

One more. Let’s say you procrastinate getting to your study routine. This is exacerbated by distractions, like doing the dishes or laundry. Instead of studying, you find yourself doing all those other chores. In this case, the controlled response is sitting down to study when you make the plan to do it. The controlling response is ensuring you eliminate all those distractions: like complete all the chores ahead of this scheduled study time, or study in a coffee shop or library where all those chores distracting you.

OK, fine, one more. You always forget your lunch at home. The desired, measurable, and observable behavior would be bringing your lunch to work. That’s the controlled response. You place a sticky note on your steering wheel the night before that says “don’t forget your lunch” and you don’t. Well, you might, but the reminder on your sticky note stops that. Placing the note on the steering wheel ahead of time is the controlling response.

To successfully manage one’s own behavior, we need to identify the desired, measurable, and observable behavior. This is the controlled response. And then, set up the environmental variables– the controlling response– that’s going to help you to emit that desired behavior.

  • G-20   Use self-management strategies.
  • BEPW
  • Controlled Response
  • Controlling Response
  • Section G
  • Section G-20
  • Self Management
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    Learn about an interesting phenomenon related to verbal cues motivating individuals without tangible reinforcement. PTB co-founder Dana Meller also shares an example of research conducted with little kids. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-13: Define and provide examples of rule-governed and contingency-shaped behavior; and G-6: Use instructions and rules.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • Antecedent Intervention: Increasing Compliance with the Art of TimingAntecedent Intervention ➠ Increasing Compliance with the Art of Timing
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the high-probability request sequence (high-p). Learn how the high-p serves as an effective antecedent intervention and compliance-building strategy. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli; and G-13: Use the high-probability instructional sequence.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Identifying Punishers & Understanding their Impact on BehaviorBreaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identifying Punishers & Understanding their Impact on Behavior
    Test your knowledge of behavior principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about the concept of punishers, clarifying their true definition based on their effect on behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-6: Define and provide examples of positive and negative punishment contingencies; and G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).
  • Differential Reinforcement Procedure for Problem Behavior ReductionDifferential Reinforcement Procedure for Problem Behavior Reduction
    Test your ABA terminology with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the behavior change procedure, Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL). Dana explains how DRL specifically targets lower rates of responding and shares valuable insights on effectively implementing this technique in behavior management strategies. 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).
  • 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).
  • Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Parameters for Using PunishmentBreaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Parameters for Using Punishment
    Test your knowledge of concepts & principles with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the parameters to consider when using punishment. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-6: Define and provide examples of positive and negative punishment contingencies, G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).
  • Explore the Reinforcement Procedure Most Similar to Precision TeachingExplore the Reinforcement Procedure Most Similar to Precision Teaching
    Test your understanding of behavior-change procedures and ABA educational methodologies with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews the specific differential reinforcement procedure most closely connected to Precision Teaching. Here, Dana provides a concise overview of the individualized instructional method, its focus on fluency-building, and some key aspects of the methodology. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement; G-9: Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements, and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).
  • 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).
  • Mock BCBA® Exam Question Breakdown: Identify a Contingency Independent InterventionBreak Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identify a Contingency Independent Intervention
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the differences between contingency-independent and contingency-dependent interventions. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.
  • 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: DRL vs. DRDTest your ABA Terminology ➠ DRL vs. DRD
    Test your knowledge of differential reinforcement procedures as PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the similarities and key differences between DRL and DRD procedures. 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).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Behavioral MomentumBreaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Behavioral Momentum
    PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli; G-13: Use the high-probability instructional sequence.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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: Identify the Intervention's Reinforcement ScheduleBreaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Identify the Intervention's Reinforcement Schedule
    Test your behavior-change procedures skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question about the differences between contingent and non-contingent schedules, focusing on an antecedent-based, response-independent schedule of reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-2: Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).
  • 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).
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