How on Earth are private events consistent with behaviorism? Here’s what happened: Skinner had this radical idea that there are elements of mentalism that should be considered in the analysis of behavior. It’s not that he wanted to do psycho therapy (or talk about penis envy). But he believed that there were environmental variables that are intrinsic to a person, not observable or measurable by someone else outside of that organism. This likely shook the methodological behaviorists to the core, and probably how we got the name “radical behaviorism”, because that was, well, radical.

Essentially, this new, radical school of thought meant accepting private variables can control behavior. Consider this– there are behaviors that are private. For example, a private headache evokes the public behavior of taking an aspirin, or placing your hand to your head. When I see a picture of a bunny rabbit, a public stimulus, it makes me think of my dad, a private response. This could also make me smile (a public response), or feel happy (a private response).

Skinner was suggesting that these private variables, or private events, matter. We can’t get a complete picture of a person’s behavior without including these elements in our analysis of their behavior. Skinner still believed that this behavior needed to be measurable and observable. As we know, private events can only be measured by self-reports. But for all of those healthy skeptics: yes, self-reports are measures, if it can be counted. It is measurement, even if you’re the only one who observed it.

Skinner, you’re so radical.

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Radical behaviorism

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Dana Do's: Skinner's Radical Idea About Private Events and Behaviorism

Skinner had a radical idea about private events and behaviorism. But it’s not as “out there” as you might think. Not making the connection? PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down how– and why– private events are consistent with behaviorism.

Surrogate MO (CMO-S)

A type of conditioned motivating operation that is established when a previously neutral stimulus acquires its evocative and value-altering effect by having been paired with an unconditioned motivating operation.

Contingency-shaped behavior

When a behavior is learned and directly controlled by the consequences that follow it.

Dana Do's: The Differences Between Stimulus Equivalence and Transitivity, Explained

Transitivity is connected to stimulus equivalence, yes, but there’s more to it than that. Let PTB co-founder Dana Meller explain the key differences between these two concepts.

Dana Do's: Chained Versus Tandem Schedules Explained

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.

Dana Do's: Confused by Matching Law and Behavioral Contrast?

What is the difference between these two natural human behavior phenomena, rooted in consequences? Dana Meller breaks it down.

Dana Do's: The Defining Features of Verbal Behavior, Explained

There are two very important defining features of verbal behavior: point-to-point correspondence and formal similarity. Dana Meller breaks down the four of six elementary verbal operants involved.

Dana Do's: Compare and Contrast MOs and SDs

MOs and SDs do share some similarities, but there are some key differences to note. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks it all down to help you discriminate between MOs, SDs, and how they work together. Refer to 5th Edition Task List Sections B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control, and B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.

Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between Formal and Feature Stimulus Class?

The difference between formal and feature stimulus class is something that has caused many students a great deal of confusion. That is because they seem the same, unless you look closely and realize they are not. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains. Refer to 5th Edition Task List Section B-2: Define and provide examples of stimulus and stimulus class.

Dana Do's: Get to the 'Root' of Response vs. Stimulus Generalization

Branching out, PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares the latest from her "tree" of knowledge to help discriminate between response and stimulus generalization (puns intended).

Dana Do's: How to Discriminate Between Response Blocking and Extinction

What are the key differences between these these two procedures? PTB co-founder Dana Meller distills the concepts with common and relatable examples we can identify with. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-9: Define and provide examples of operant extinction; and B-6: Define and provide examples of positive and negative punishment contingencies.

10 Positive Effects From Prioritizing Self-Care

Self-care. It’s a bit of a broad term, and a total buzzword these days. It’s often used in the context of bubble baths and “unplugging.” But, at its core, self-care is about more than just “me-time.” It’s about taking care of yourself in a way that works best for you and your lifestyle.

Dana Do's: How to Know if Your Study Activities are Effective

How do you know if your BCBA® study activities are effective? PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares some key analysis that may help BCBA® exam candidates assess efficacy.

Dana Do's: Careful About Getting Creative With Mock Exams

PTB co-founder cautions candidates about using the actual BCBA® exam as a mock exam, listing all the reasons why you might want to reconsider getting creative with your mock exam prep experience.

Dana Do's: Warning. Be Careful of Extremes.

PTB co-founder Dana Meller sends an important warning for test takers. Watch out for extremes in exam questions and answer options.

Dana Do's: How to Use Mock Exams in Your Study Plan

I was recently asked if mock exams are useful in predicting how someone will do on the actual big exam. And, is repeating the same mock exam an effective study…

Dana Do's: The Scientific Goals of Behavior Analysis

PTB co-founder Dana Meller takes on the first portion of the Task List with a quick lesson about section A-1. The secret sauce for understanding the goal of behavior analysis? It all comes down to description, prediction, and control.

Dana Do's: Relating, Framing and Equating

Relating, framing and equating. PTB co-founder Dana Meller drills into the generalizability of relational frame theory, equivalence-based instruction, and stimulus equivalence. Would you believe they all go together? Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-15: Define and provide examples of derived stimulus relations; G-21: Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization; G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction.

Dana Do's: How to Discriminate Between SDs & MOs

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down the distinction between motivating operations (MOs) and discriminative stimulus (SDs). 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 ➠ Motivating Operation Example Explained

Test your concepts & principles knowledge with #PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a question about identifying the specific motivating operation described in the scenario. Included is a breakdown of the two components, or effects, that operate underneath the MO umbrella. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-12: Define and provide examples of motivating operations.

The Pioneer of Methodological Behaviorism

What are the historical origins of Methodological Behaviorism? Learn about observable behavior and John Broadus Watson's controversial "Little Albert Experiment." Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-4: Distinguish among behaviorism, the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and professional practice guided by the science of behavior analysis.

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Not All Conditioned Reinforcers Are Created Equal

Let's understand the concept and versatility of Generalized Conditioned Reinforcers (GCSRs) and their crucial role in behavior management. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-8: Define and provide examples of unconditioned, conditioned, and generalized reinforcers and punishers and G-3: Establish and use conditioned reinforcers.

Dana's Do's: Conditioning Us to Understand Operant and Respondent Conditioning?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how one word can describe two different things. Here's how to practically understand the difference between operant and respondent conditioning. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.

MiniBig

 

PTB MiniBig: Fast, Flexible, and Focused Exam Prep

The PTB MiniBig enables BCBA® exam prep candidates to tailor their study needs by popping in on single sessions of the intensive PTB Big Exam Prep Workshop. Each 3.5-hour session, focused on specific sections of the Task List, includes a mock exam followed by real-time, live, interactive feedback and access to live session replays, without committing to the full workshop.

Dana's Do's: WWSD (What Would #Skinner Do?) on Tax Day?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller illustrates a perfect example of rule-governed behavior centered on our shared and dreaded annual Tax Day obligation. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-13: Define and provide examples of rule-governed and contingency-shaped behavior.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Operant Conditioning that Automatically Occurs

Let's clarify the concept of automaticity of reinforcement and punishment, and its distinction from automatic reinforcement. With a relatable example, PTB co-founder Dana explains how an individual's behavior can be influenced without consciously knowing the reasons behind their actions. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.

Influencing Behavior Without Direct Pairing, Explained

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.

Put Your ABA Knowledge to the Test ➠ Identifying the Attitude of Science

Test your ABA terminology knowledge. PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses one of the six attitudes of science that focuses on data-based decision-making, explaining how this attitude emphasizes our reliance on facts and objective quantification. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-2: Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

Dana Do's: How to Easily Break Down the 7 Dimensions of ABA

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares an easy way to break down the 7 dimensions of ABA by using the dimensions to define what it means to be a behavior analyst, which in turn, makes it much easier to discriminate between each dimension. 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 ➠ Select the Correct Elementary Verbal Operant

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews verbal behavior, and explains which of the six elementary verbal operants is controlled by a written verbal Sᴰ, and also shares point-to-point correspondence. Included is a comparison of the different Sᴰ(s) that control(s) each elementary verbal operant. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-14: Define and provide examples of the verbal operants.

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Who Wants to Learn More About Elementary Verbal Operants?

Let's break down a BCBA® exam mocj question about verbal behavior, focusing on one of the elementary verbal operants - the intraverbal. PTB co-founder Dana Meller clarifies the differences between the intraverbal and other verbal operants, providing a comprehensive understanding of each category. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-14: Define and provide examples of the verbal operants.

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: The Best Example of a Behavior

Test your Concepts and Principles knowledge. PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews BCBA® mock exam question about identifying the best example of a behavior. Included is a detailed breakdown of various options that could be helpful when approaching this type of question on the big ABA exam. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-1: Define and provide examples of behavior, response, and response class.

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.

Breaking 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 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).

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).

Dana Do's: Using Stimulus Salience to Increase Studying Effectiveness

PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the ways in which you can increase your studying effectiveness through stimulus salience. We know that ABA works, and Dana reminds students to utilize basic ABA principles to help themselves prepare for the BCBA® exam. Refer to Task List section B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control.

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

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Identify the Compound Schedule of Reinforcement

Test your concepts and principles skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller, as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about the compound schedule of reinforcement in the context of voting. Here, Dana details the key features of the mixed, concurrent, conjunctive, and tandem schedules of reinforcement, as well as provides corresponding examples. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.

Breaking 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).

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.

Explore 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: Replication Using the Dimensions of ABA

Test your Philosophical Underpinnings knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question about identifying the specific dimension of ABA that ensures behavior analytic work can be replicated. Included is a description of behavioral, conceptually systematic, effective, and technological. As an added bonus, Dana shares a clever exercise that helps have better clarity on the purpose of each dimensions. 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 ➠ 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.

Breaking Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Negative Reinforcement Contingencies

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.

Test 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).

Break 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 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.

Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Use the Dimensions of ABA to Identify, "What Makes Us Behavioral?"

Test your Philosophical Underpinnings knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question that breaks down the dimensions of ABA, identifying the specific dimension that describes the defining features of a behavior analyst. Included is a description of each of the answer options, determinism, empiricism, applied, and behavioral. Refer to the BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-5: Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).

Programming 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.

Challenge 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.

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.

Level 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 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 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.

Breaking 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 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 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.

Breaking 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 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.

Breaking 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.

PTB'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).

Breaking 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.

Dana Do's: What Do Philosophical Assumptions Got To Do With It?

It often feels like the board is asking candidates to study concepts you may never use in practice. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains why that's actually inaccurate. The philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis is so much more integral than just passing the big exam.

Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between Pragmatism and Determinism?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller offers a relatable cause-and-effect scenario that helps discriminate between determinism and pragmatism. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-2: Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

This Dimension of ABA Contains the Original Recipe for Replicable Procedures

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a crucial dimension of ABA, highlighting the importance of providing detailed information, similar to following a recipe, ensuring reliability and consistency in our behavior-analytic work. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-5: Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Riley, 1968).

Let's Break Down and BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Dimensions of ABA — Basic Principles to Epic Interventions

Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question on the dimensions of ABA, their application in real-world scenarios, and what sets behavior analysts apart. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-5: Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968).

Unearthing the Bedrock of Scientific Inquiry with this Key Philosophical Assumption

What is the fundamental philosophical assumption of science? PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into the crucial role of objective observation and measurement in shaping our understanding of behavior and how it forms the foundation of this evidence-based scientific field. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-2: Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).

Fact It to the Max: Philosophical Assumptions & Data-Driven Decisions

PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the potency of data-driven practices, objective observation, measurement, and experimentation in our scientific approach. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section A-2: Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis (e.g., selectionism, determinism, empiricism, parsimony, pragmatism).