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

Ratio strain

When challenging behaviors reemerge because of an abruptly thinned reinforcement schedule.

5th Edition Task List

B-5  Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.

6th Edition TCO

G.16 Design and evaluate procedures to maintain desired behavior change following intervention (e.g., schedule thinning, transferring to naturally occurring reinforcers).

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    The extent to which behavior remains in a client’s repertoire over time.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • ABA terms you need to know: tandem scheduleTandem schedules of reinforcement
    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…
  • 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).
  • 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…
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • ABA terms you need to know: matching law.Matching law
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  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Differential reinforcement of high rates of responding (DRH)
    A differential reinforcement procedure that is a variation of basic intermittent schedules of reinforcement. Reinforcement is delivered when an individual engages in a behavior at/or above a pre-established rate during…
  • Consequence
    A stimulus change that comes after a behavior.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • ABA terms you need to know: chained schedules of reinforcement.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.
  • Alternative schedules of reinforcement
    A compound schedule of reinforcement in which reinforcement is delivered when the requirement of either a ratio or interval schedule is met, regardless of which of the component schedule requirements…
  • ABA terms you need to know: adjunctive behaviors.Adjunctive behaviors
    Time-filling behaviors that occur as a result of reinforcement schedules, at times when reinforcement isn’t available. These behaviors are not related to the specific reinforcement yet tend to occur in…
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