Understanding Mentalism Terminology

In the world of psychology, there are lots of philosophies and practices when it comes to dealing with behavioral health. Mentalism is like the converse of behaviorism, both philosophically and practically. My understanding of behavioral is supported by an understanding of mentalistic. Consider this a negative teaching example.

Mentalism explains behavior through assumptions about the existence of an inner and mental dimension as the cause of behavior. Traditional psychology is mentalism. Freud and psychotherapy, talk therapy, marriage and family therapy, social work– these folks typically rely on more mentalistic explanations and practices in their work. Mentalistic explanations rely on three terms that are important for you to know: hypothetical constructs, explanatory fictions, and circular reasoning.

Hypothetical construct is a presumed but unobserved process. I looked up “construct” in the dictionary, to get a better sense of that word in isolation. It is an idea or theory containing various conceptual elements, typically considered to be subjective and not based on empirical evidence. This is helpful because that’s definitely in contrast to what we require as behaviorists. But more simply put, free will, determination, self-esteem, ego strength, readiness, and intelligence, are things that could be used as causes of behavior, but relying on hypothetical constructs to explain the behavior. These constructs can’t be observed, and therefore they can’t be manipulated or assessed, or more importantly, used to help change behavior. Passing the exam because of strong will and determination is awesome, but how do you replicate that? How do you take that recipe, strong will, and determination and use it as an intervention for others to pass the exam? It’s a construct that is used to explain behavior that is not based on anything empirical and is surely quite subjective.

Explanatory fiction is a mythical explanation for behavior. It’s another name for observed behavior but does not add anything to our understanding of what actually causes or maintains behavior. It’s like attributing behavior to knowing or wanting or figuring out. Again, this is an unobserved processes. So saying something like, “Well, he’s doing much better today because he knows you’re watching him”, is not exactly an observable phenomenon. Again, subjective and not based on anything that we can measure– empiricism.

Finally, circular reasoning. This is the key ingredient in mentalistic thinking. It’s kind of, “what came first, the chicken or the egg?” type of thinking. As behaviorists, we look at things in a linear fashion. So think ABC. A came first, B came second, C came third, and so on. But in circular reasoning, you’re not able to do that because the cause and effect are both inferred from the same information. Saying that he paced because he felt uneasy– pacing and feeling uneasy are both inferred from that same anxious condition.

Understanding mentalism will help you understand behaviorism. Think of it as the contrast. So if the defining features of mentalism are something you’re being tested on, then you know it’s not behavioral because it’s mentalistic.

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Test Your ABA Terminology ➠ Procedural Integrity & Components for Effective Treatment

Let's dig into the concept of procedural integrity. What is it? What are other various names (aka) it is referred to. Procedural integrity is essential for accurately interpreting experimental results and the effectiveness of treatments. PTB co-founder Dana Meller details the concept of treatment drift and provides valuable tips to ensure a high level of treatment integrity. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section H-6: Monitor client progress and treatment integrity.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠The Heroic Quest into Group Contingencies

PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into the three types of group contingencies, with a primary focus on one group type. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-18: Use group contingencies.

Matching-to-Sample Procedures: Test Your Knowledge and Challenge Yourself

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews matching-to-sample procedures, focusing on one specific method where stimuli are not physically identical but have a symbolic relationship. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-12: Use equivalence-based instruction.

Dana Do's: Yes, verbs are clues that can help you prep for the BCBA exam

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares how the verbs used in the Task List can provide you with significant clues for effective studying. By examining task list verbs, you can actually determine the specific type of discrimination required in your studies. Learn how understanding these verbs can guide your preparation and better equip you for success on the big exam.

Big Stack Flashcards (terms on one side, blank on the reverse)

The definitive source for complete coverage of the Task List, personally curated by PTB founders and co-authors of the ABA Study Manual, Dana Meller (MA, BCBA) and Priya Runyon (MA, BCBA, LMFT, retired). The series of 532 essential ABA terms are divided by Task List section for easy navigation, and feature concept lists to organize related terms. Designed by Meller and Runyon, using proven techniques that maximize fluency and retention, the flashcards offer an additional modality to a study plan, or act as a starting point for BCBA exam prep. The accompanying nine interlocking rings allow for custom collating to support multiple organization strategies. An ideal supplement to the PTB ABA Exam Study Manual, in its 11th year of printing. Discount/Promo Codes Not Applicable FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 7 – 10 business days. PRIORITY SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 3 – 5 business days for an additional fee. Select USPS Priority at checkout.

Small Stack SAFMEDS

Designed to build fluency and enhance generalization, the PTB Small Stack SAFMEDS contain 500 essential ABA terms and peer-reviewed definitions, representing full coverage of the Task List. Meticulously curated, written by co-founder Dana Meller (MA, BCBA) and peer-reviewed, each card features definitions that integrate relatable and clinical language to enhance rote memorization, alongside precise section numbers for easy navigation. Lightweight and portable, the custom box allows for easy transport, creating more opportunities to study anytime, anywhere. An ideal supplement to the PTB ABA Exam Study Manual, in its 11th year of printing. Discount/Promo Codes Not Applicable FREE SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 7 – 10 business days. PRIORITY SHIPPING (U.S. ONLY): Delivery within 3 – 5 business days for an additional fee. Select USPS Priority at checkout.

ABA Terminology Break Down ➠ Indicators of Trustworthy Measurement

What are the three indicators of trustworthy measurement in ABA? PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains and why they ensure data accuracy and reliability. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

ABA Terminology ➠ Battle of Aversive Titans: Positive Punishment vs. Negative Reinforcement (G-1, G-16)

Given the common confusion between terms due to their association with aversive events, PTB co-founder Dana Meller clarifies the distinction between positive punishment and negative reinforcement. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections G-1: Use positive and negative reinforcement; and G-16: Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection). procedures to strengthen behavior.

Test 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 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.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Cumulative Record Calculations

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a question about using cumulative records and their significance in behavior analysis. Learn how to utilize cumulative graphs to track behavior over specific time periods and measure and calculate response rates for insightful data analysis. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-11: Interpret graphed data.

Self Evaluate Your Understanding of ABA Terminology ➠ Self Management

Explore the world of self-management with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses how controlled responses and self-controlling behaviors lead to improved behavior. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-20: Use self-management strategies.

Test your Verbal Behavior Terminology ➠ Point-to-Point Correspondence vs. Formal Similarity

PTB co-founder Dana Meller clarifies the concepts, providing examples to help better understand these crucial distinctions and addresses common misconceptions between point-to-point correspondence and formal similarity. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-14: Define and provide examples of the verbal operants.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Operant vs. Respondent Extinction

PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains the differences between operant and respondent extinction procedures and how these procedures reduce challenging behaviors and diminish reflex responses in behavior management and conditioning. 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 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.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify the Measurement System in This Scenario

Test your measurement, data display, and interpretation knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses one specific measurement system that measures the effect of the behavior after its occurrence. Here, Dana details the two ways someone could implement this type of measurement system, provides examples of scenarios and a variety of corresponding measurement methods, and highlights some of the pros of utilizing this type of measurement system. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-2: Distinguish among direct, indirect, and product measures of behavior.

Experimental Design Terminology ➠ The Baseline Logic Blueprint & the Sum of Its Parts

Join PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses baseline logic in single-subject experimental designs. Dana breaks down the four essential elements of baseline logic and how these elements play a crucial role in demonstrating experimental control and confirming the effectiveness of interventions. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-3: 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 ➠ Unwanted Effects in Responding

Test your knowledge of reinforcement and punishment procedures. PTB co-founder Dana Meller addresses the temporary effect in responding that is expected to occur during the implementation of the treatment procedures. Included, Dana contrasts the occurrence of a temporary increase in challenging behavior in an extinction procedure. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.

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.

Test 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 ➠ Types of Unwanted Treatment Side Effects Explained

Test your knowledge of planning interventions with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she explained the types of unwanted treatment side effects. Also included is a description of the two types of contrast effects, positive behavioral contrast and negative behavioral contrast, as well as corresponding examples. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section H-5: Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.

Test 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.

Test 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).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Identify This Experimental Design Scenario

Test your ABA terminology with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she offers guidance to identify the specific experimental design relating to a scenario. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section D-5: Use single-subject experimental designs (e.g., reversal, multiple baseline, multielement, changing criterion).

Test 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 ➠ Derivative Measures Explained

Put your knowledge of occurence measurement to the test with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses the two types of derivative measures, and each of their defining features and applications. Dana focuses on the derivative measure used for comparing two or more procedures, teaching clients new skills, evaluating mastery over a class of concepts, and the various measurement methods. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-6: Measure trials to criterion.

Test 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).

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Indicators of Trustworthy Measurement

Test your knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she explains the specific indicator of trustworthy measurement that corresponds with repeated measurement yielding the same result. Included is a description of all three indicators of trustworthy measurement validity, accuracy, and reliability. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

Test Your ABA Ethics Terminology ➠ Multiple Relationships

At all costs, avoid multiple relationships. Refer to BACB® | Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts | Section 1.11: Multiple Relationships

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Confounding Threats to Internal Validity

Test your knowledge of measurement confounds with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she discusses one of the four types of threats to internal validity, with corresponding examples. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-8: Evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Fundamental Properties of Behavior Change

Test your ability to interpret graphed data with PTB co-founder Dana Meller. Here she explains the three fundamental properties of behavior change, focusing on one specific property akin to an average or median. Included are descriptions of level, trend, variability, and the y-axis. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section C-11: Interpret graphed data.

Test 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 Ethics ➠ Practicing Within Scope of Competence

Test your ABA Ethics Knowledge with PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviewing the ethics behind practicing within one’s scope of competence. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section E-1: Responsible conduct of behavior analysts BACB® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts: Section 1.05: Practicing Within Scope of Competence