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

Let’s break down the difference between positive punishment and negative reinforcement. These two terms are often mixed up. I think the confusion lies with their one similarity, which is the association with what is known as aversive control. Both positive punishment and negative reinforcement have the presence of aversive events. But with positive punishment, an aversive event is added contingent on behavior. With negative reinforcement, an aversive event is removed contingent on the behavior. Remember, when we say contingent, we mean as a consequence for behavior and following the behavior.

Key point of difference: 1) one has something aversive added; one has something aversive removed; 2) and this is very important, it’s their effect on behavior. Positive punishment, like negative punishment, decreases future behavior. Negative reinforcement, like positive reinforcement, increases future behavior.

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PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses two concepts that fall under negative reinforcement, breaks down their differences, and explains how they operate in various situations. 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.

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.

Response-deprivation hypothesis (RDH)

The belief that any behavior can act as a reinforcer if access to that behavior is restricted. In practice, this occurs when deprivation of a certain activity, achieved by making it …

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

Seclusion time-out

A type of time-out procedure in which the client is placed in a time-out room for a time period and locked in.

Dana Do's: Response Blocking vs. Extinction

Want an easy way to make the correct discrimination between response blocking and extinction? PTB co-founder Dana Meller borrows from the #starwars universe to help explain. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-16 Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).

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).

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).

Response block

Physically intervening to interrupt and prevent a response from occurring. Hint: When the behavior is prevented from occurring by the addition of the thing that “blocks” it, it cannot occur …

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

Response cost

A loss of a specific amount of reinforcement that is contingent on a challenging behavior.

Non-exclusionary time out

A type of time-out procedure in which the client is kept in the time-in space but is not allowed to participate in time-in activities.

Exclusionary time-out

A type of time-out procedure in which the client is removed from the reinforcing (time-in) setting.

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).

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.

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 ➠ 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.

Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between Response vs. Stimulus Prompts?

If a response prompt and a stimulus prompt both prompt correct responses, what is the difference?

Dana Do's: What's the Difference Between DRL and DRD?

Depending on the source, you can get some conflicting information about DRL vs DRD. PTB co-founder Dana Meller clears up the confusion with a more current look at these two reinforcement procedures.

Dana Do's: Chain Chain Chain, Chain, Chain...

Which chaining method goes with which behavior? Dana Meller offers some considerations that may help you answer that question on the exam. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section Section G-8: Use chaining.

Dana Do's: If All Prompts Prompt Behavior, What's the Difference?

If all prompts prompt behavior, how can you tell the different between stimulus and response prompts? PTB co-founder Dana Meller simplifies it with one word. 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).

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

Self-management: one process, two behaviors. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains controlled vs controlling response, and shares real-life examples of how they are used together in self-management strategies.

Dana Do's: Which Group Contingency Do I Use?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller distills the three different interventions, related by the group. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-18: Use group contingencies.

Dana Do's: Relating, Framing and Equating

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Dana Do's: What Chaining Method to Use When?

The books don't really say much about what chaining methods BCBA's should apply to what behaviors. PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks it down. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.

Breaking Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Contingency Contracting Components

Let's break down a BCBA® mock exam question about contingency contracts and their importance in behavior management. PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains the three essential elements of a contingency contract and how they can be effectively implemented to achieve behavior change. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-19: Use contingency contracting.

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.

Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Response-Independent & Dependent Reinforcement Schedules

Sharpen your behavior-change skills with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she reviews a BCBA® mock exam question that examines an intervention aimed at reducing attention-seeking outbursts. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Revving Up for Compliance: Revealing the High-P Request Sequence Starting Lineup

PTB co-founder Dana Meller explores the concept of high-probability request sequences. Dana explains how this antecedent intervention technique is a valuable tool for significantly improving compliance and decreasing non-compliance. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-13: Use the high-probability instructional sequence.

Dana Do's: How to Get Unstuck When Studying for the BCBA®

PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains how to use Multiple Exemplar training to improve your exam application skills. BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section: G-21 Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization.

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

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Dana Do's: Need a Prompt to Understand Prompting?

PTB co-founder Dana Meller shares a trick for discriminating between response and stimulus prompts. 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)

Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Let's Get Physical with Imitation Training & Formal Similarity

PTB co-founder Dana Meller reviews a BCBA® mock exam question that targets the essential aspects of imitation training, breaking down the four defining features of successful imitation and how these elements contribute to effective learning and skill acquisition. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-5: Use modeling and imitation training.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Response Prompt vs. Stimulus Prompt

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Boosting Speed & Accuracy with Reinforcement Schedule Parameters

PTB co-founder Dana Meller dives into the concept of enhancing reinforcement schedules by adding an extra criterion to motivate quicker and more accurate responses. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-8: Use chaining.

Influencing Behavior Without Direct Pairing, Explained

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Shaping Success: Understanding the Procedure and its Dynamic Duo

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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.

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: 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: 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.

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 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.

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.

Awaken Your Inner Boss: Self Management for Behavior Change Champions

Sharpen your understanding of self-management with PTB co-founder Dana Meller as she highlights the two crucial behaviors involved in self-management. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section G-20: Use self-management strategies.

Test 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.

Dana 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.

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.

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).

Breaking 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).

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: 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 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).

Break 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)

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. 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 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 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 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 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).

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.

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 Terminology ➠ What Are The 3 Types of Extinction?

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Breaking 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).

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).

Dana Do's: And Just Like That, Context and Application for Task List Items

How does going to ABA conferences help you pass the BCBA® exam? PTB co-founder Dana Meller recalls her student journey and the "a-ha moment" when she realized, attending forced her to generalize what she was studying, in context. Suddenly, ABA terminology was no longer a foreign language she was trying to master.

Dana's Do's: Struggling with ABA Jargon? Watch This.

The clinical jargon of ABA can be one of the most intimidating parts of BCBA® exam prep. However, as PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains, understanding the source material like textbooks and literature— no matter how dense they may be— is imperative for exam day success.

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).

Master your ABA Terminology ➠ Exploring Contiguity & the Importance of Timing

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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 ➠ Motivating Operation Example Explained

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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.

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

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.

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

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Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Operant Conditioning that Automatically Occurs

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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.

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 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.

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.

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).

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

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 ➠ 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.

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 ➠ 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.

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 ➠ 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.

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.

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 ➠ 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.

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