ABA Glossary

By Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA
Edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D
ABA Glossary by Dana Meller, M.A., BCBA, edited by Tyra Sellers, J.D., Ph.D., BCBA-D

Formal stimulus class

A group of stimuli that share physical/topographical features.

5th Edition Task List

B-2  Define and provide examples of stimulus and stimulus class.

6th Edition TCO

B.2 Identify and distinguish between stimulus and stimulus class.

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  • Temporal stimulus class
    A group of stimuli that share common timing in relation to the behavior they precede or follow.
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    External or internal environmental event(s) that affect an individual’s behavior.
  • ABA terms you need to know: stimulus class.Stimulus class
    A group of stimuli that share a common function, topography, or temporal relation and have a common effect on a response class (behavior). Hint: Think of the stimulus class as…
  • Functional stimulus class
    A group of stimuli that share a common effect (i.e., function) on a behavior.
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    A group of stimuli that share an infinite number of possible relations and evoke the same response. 
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    A group of stimuli that do not share any common topographies but evoke the same response. 
  • 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.
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    An elaborate and always changing universe of stimulus conditions and events that are internal and external to an individual.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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