Principles of Behavior
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Understanding Behavior Analysis course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) #
** A scientific approach for understanding and improving behavior through the systematic application of behavioral principles. ABA focuses on socially significant behaviors and uses data-driven methods to evaluate the effects of interventions.
**Antecedent #
** An event or stimulus that occurs before a behavior and sets the occasion for that behavior to occur. Antecedents can influence behavior by triggering or prompting a response.
**Behavior #
** Any observable and measurable action or response of an individual. Behavior is often described in terms of its topography (the form it takes) and function (the purpose it serves).
**Consequence #
** An event or outcome that follows a behavior and affects the likelihood of that behavior recurring in the future. Consequences can either increase (reinforcers) or decrease (punishers) the probability of a behavior.
**Contingency #
** The relationship between a behavior and its consequence, where the consequence is dependent on the occurrence of the behavior. Contingencies can be manipulated to change behavior.
**Discrimination #
** The ability to differentiate between similar stimuli and respond differently to each. Discrimination is an essential skill in developing flexible and adaptive behavior.
**Extinction #
** The gradual reduction and eventual cessation of a behavior due to the withdrawal of reinforcement or the introduction of punishment.
**Generalization #
** The ability to apply learned behaviors to new situations, stimuli, or responses. Generalization is crucial for the long-term maintenance of behavior change.
**Prompt #
** A cue or assistance provided to an individual to elicit a specific behavior. Prompts can be faded as an individual's skill level improves.
**Reinforcement #
** A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior reoccurring. Reinforcement can be positive (the addition of a desirable outcome) or negative (the removal of an aversive outcome).
**Response #
** An action or behavior exhibited by an individual. Responses can be voluntary or involuntary and are often classified based on their form and function.
**Shaping #
** A process of reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior, gradually guiding an individual toward the desired response.
**Skinner, B.F. #
** An influential psychologist and behaviorist who developed the theory of operant conditioning and coined the term "radical behaviorism." Skinner's work laid the foundation for the science of ABA.
**Stimulus #
** Any event or object that elicits a response from an individual. Stimuli can be classified as discriminative (triggering a specific behavior) or neutral (having no effect on behavior).
**Topography #
** The physical form or characteristics of a behavior. Topography helps describe and differentiate between various behaviors.
**Unconditioned Stimulus (US) #
** A stimulus that naturally and automatically elicits a response, often referred to as a reflexive response.
**Unconditioned Response (UR) #
** The naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus.
**Variable Schedule of Reinforcement #
** A reinforcement schedule in which the delivery of reinforcement varies based on specific criteria, such as an interval or ratio of responses. Variable schedules often result in high resistance to extinction and more consistent behavior over time.
**Visual Schedule #
** A visual representation of a sequence of tasks or activities that helps individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities understand and navigate their daily routines. Visual schedules can increase independence, reduce anxiety, and promote on-task behavior.
**Wait Time #
** The amount of time an instructor or therapist allows between providing a prompt or instruction and expecting a response. Increasing wait time can encourage learners to think and respond independently, promoting skill generalization and problem-solving abilities.