What is the primary goal of behavior analysis “
To understand, predict, and change behavior through environmental variables.
What defines a target behavior “
A specific, observable, measurable action selected for change.
How is behavior different from a label “
Behavior is observable and measurable; labels are subjective inferences.
What does a functional behavior assessment identify “
The antecedents and consequences maintaining a behavior.
What is a reinforcer “
A stimulus that increases the future probability of a behavior.
What happens during extinction “
A previously reinforced behavior no longer produces reinforcement.
What is the difference between positive and negative reinforcement “
Positive adds a stimulus; negative removes a stimulus; both increase behavior.
What does a baseline phase measure “
The level of behavior before any intervention is introduced.
What is interobserver agreement “
The degree to which two observers record the same behavior.
Why is operational definition important “
It ensures consistency and replicability in measurement.
What does a scatterplot show in behavior analysis “
The temporal distribution of behavior across different times or conditions.
What is a multiple baseline design “
An experimental design where intervention is introduced across different behaviors,
settings, or subjects.
, How does a reversal design work “
It alternates between baseline and intervention phases to demonstrate experimental
control.
What is a conditioned reinforcer “
A neutral stimulus that acquires reinforcing properties through pairing with other
reinforcers.
What is response latency “
The time between an antecedent stimulus and the onset of a behavior.
What is duration recording “
Measuring how long a behavior lasts.
What is frequency recording “
Counting how many times a behavior occurs.
What is a discriminative stimulus (SD) “
A stimulus that signals the availability of reinforcement for a specific response.
What is an establishing operation “
An event that temporarily increases the effectiveness of a reinforcer.
What is a token economy “
A system where tokens are earned for target behaviors and exchanged for backup
reinforcers.
What is shaping “
Reinforcing successive approximations toward a terminal behavior.
What is chaining “
Teaching a complex skill by breaking it into smaller, linked steps.
What is a task analysis “
Identifying all component steps of a complex behavior.
What is generalization “
When a learned behavior occurs in different settings or situations.
What is maintenance “
The continued performance of a behavior after intervention ends.