ABA 1: Exam 1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What defines function-based behavior?

Behavior defined by observational methods

Behavior defined by its consequences (correct)

Behavior defined by its frequency

Behavior defined by its form or topography

What occurs when a child slouches while working in a group?

Attention from peers

Distraction from the task

A and B (correct)

None of the above

What is considered one occurrence of flopping?

Johnny falls to the floor within 3 seconds after a directive and refuses to stand up.

What defines an instance of a verbal outburst?

Engaging in yelling, cursing, and/or name-calling when presented with a non-preferred task. Signup and view all the answers

What is a tantrum?

A behavior that involves yelling, screaming, crying, and/or eloping when presented with a non-preferred task. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Behaviorism' refer to?

The philosophy and theory of behavioral science. Signup and view all the answers

The branch of behavior analysis that began with B.F. Skinner's work is known as _________.

Experimental Analysis of Behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

A scientific field of study that uses behaviorism to improve socially significant behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 major branches of behavior analysis?

Behaviorism, Experimental, and Applied Behavior Analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship of the independent variable in an experiment?

It is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'Determinism' imply?

Behavior is determined by past experiences and factors outside of willful control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'Response'?

A specific instance of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

__________________ is the philosophy that emphasizes the observable aspect of psychology.

Behaviorism Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Empiricism' refer to?

The objective observation of phenomena independent of personal biases. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the experimental analysis of behavior?

Methodical measurement of behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a discriminated operant?

A behavior that occurs more often under some antecedent conditions than it does in others. Signup and view all the answers

What does contingent mean?

Likely but not certain to happen; dependent on uncertain events or conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Three-Term Contingency?

A basic unit of analysis encompassing the antecedent stimulus, behavior, and consequence. Signup and view all the answers

What is rule-governed behavior?

Behavior controlled by verbal statements. Signup and view all the answers

What is contingency-shaped behavior?

Behavior that develops because of its immediate consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term automaticity of reinforcement refer to?

Behavior is modified by its consequences regardless of awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What is socially mediated contingency?

When another person presents an antecedent stimulus and/or consequence for the behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is respondent extinction?

The repeated presentation of a conditioned stimulus in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus. Signup and view all the answers

What does respondent behavior refer to?

The response component of a reflex; behavior elicited by antecedent stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is operant behavior?

Behavior selected by its consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is a neutral stimulus?

A stimulus that does not naturally produce a response. Signup and view all the answers

What does unconditioned refer to?

Something that is unlearned; does not require prior experience to react to. Signup and view all the answers

What is topography in behavior?

What the behavior looks like. Signup and view all the answers

What is the opposite of determinism?

The concept of free will. Signup and view all the answers

What does free will mean in the context of behavior analysis?

The ability to choose actions regardless of determinism. Signup and view all the answers

What is description in behavioral terms?

Noticing occurrences in behavior, such as relating actions to outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What does prediction entail in behavior analysis?

Assuming future occurrences based on past observations. Signup and view all the answers

What is control in behavioral analysis?

Demonstrating reliable changes in behavior through functional relations. Signup and view all the answers

What does determinism imply in behavioral science?

Behavior is lawful and determined by various factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is empiricism?

Objective measurement and observation of behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What does parsimony mean in behavior analysis?

The idea of favoring simpler explanations over complex ones. Signup and view all the answers

What does philosophic doubt refer to?

Being tentative and skeptical about conclusions in scientific study. Signup and view all the answers

What is selectionism?

The process of repeated cycles with the environment that shapes behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is pragmatism in behavior analysis?

Evaluating theories based on their practical application. Signup and view all the answers

What is applied behavior analysis?

A focus on behavior with social significance to drive change. Signup and view all the answers

What is behaviorism?

The philosophical approach focusing on observable behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two different types of behaviorism?

Mythological behaviorism and radical behaviorism. Signup and view all the answers

What is experimental analysis of behavior?

A focus on laboratory research and experimental psychology. Signup and view all the answers

What does radical behaviorism recognize?

Private events such as thoughts and feelings as part of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is mentalism in behavior analysis?

An approach assuming an inner dimension exists separate from behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is methodological behaviorism?

Rejecting unobserved events while acknowledging their existence. Signup and view all the answers

What is respondent conditioning?

A learning process where neutral stimuli can elicit responses. Signup and view all the answers

What is respondent behavior?

An automatic response to stimulus without conscious thought. Signup and view all the answers

What is operant conditioning?

The process of altering behavior through consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between operant and respondent behavior?

Operant behavior is shaped by consequences, while respondent behavior is elicited by antecedent stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Behavior Definitions and Types

Function-based definitions involve understanding behaviors based on their purpose or consequence within a context.
Topography-based definitions are concerned with the physical form of the behavior or how it is exhibited.

Key Examples of Behaviors

Slouching
- Functionally, occurs when a child slouches during group work to gain attention.
- Topographically, described as leaning forward with forearms on the desk and head down.
Flopping
- Functionally defined by refusing to follow directions and lying on the floor.
- Topographically noted as the action of falling to the ground after a directive.
Non-compliance
- Functionally recognized through acknowledgment but continued engagement in an activity despite prompts.
- Topographically defined as alternating eye contact while not following the caregiver's instructions.
Verbal Outburst
- Functionally linked to avoiding non-preferred tasks by yelling or cursing.
- Topographically characterized by specific verbal expressions and increased volume.
Tantrum
- Functionally includes multiple expressions of distress to avoid tasks.
- Topographically involves yelling, crying, and eloping beyond set boundaries.
Spitting
- Functionally considered as a means to gain access to desired items when denied.
- Topographically defined simply as the act of releasing saliva forcefully.

Branches of Behavior Analysis

Behaviorism: Originating with John B. Watson, focuses on observable behavior and environmental relations.
Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB): Founded by B.F. Skinner, this branch studies the influence of consequences on behavior.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Applies behavioral principles to improve socially significant behaviors through experimentation.

Fundamental Concepts in Science of Behavior

Determinism: Belief that behavior is primarily controlled by external factors.
Empiricism: Focus on objective observation to understand behavior.
Experimental Control: Key characteristic of ABA ensuring predictions about behavior based on analyzed relationships.

Key Attitudes and Principles of Scientific Inquiry

Philosophic Doubt: An attitude questioning the validity of scientific theory and practice.
Parsimony: Preference for simplistic explanations over complex theories.
Replication: Repeating experiments to confirm findings and enhance validity.

Types of Behavior Analysis and Conditions

Response Class: Group of behaviors that share the same function.
Stimulus Control: Determines the influence of antecedent stimuli on behavior frequency and other dynamics.

Conditioning Concepts

Operant Conditioning: Effects of consequences on behavior, critical in behavior modification strategies.
Respondent Conditioning: Involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit responses.

Reinforcement and Punishment

Positive Reinforcement: Increases behavior through the introduction of a stimulus.
Negative Reinforcement: Increases behavior through the removal of an adverse stimulus.
Positive Punishment: Decreases behavior by presenting an aversive consequence.
Negative Punishment: Decreases behavior by withholding a pleasant stimulus.

Behavior Dynamics

Contingency Shaped Behavior: Behavior developed through direct experience with consequences.
Generalization and Automaticity: Behavior changes that endure over time and situations, often occurring without conscious awareness of reinforcement.

Conclusion

Understanding behavior analysis requires examining behaviors' functions, definitions, and the principles guiding behavioral changes in various settings.### Key Concepts in Behavior Analysis
Operant Behavior: Behavior that is influenced and selected by its consequences, reflecting the impact of prior outcomes on current actions.
Neutral Stimulus: A stimulus that does not elicit a natural response until it is associated with another significant stimulus.
Unconditioned: Refers to reactions or behaviors that occur without prior learning or conditioning, indicating innate responses.
Topography: The physical characteristics or appearance of a behavior, encompassing how it is expressed.
Determinism vs. Free Will:
- Determinism is the philosophy asserting that behaviors are caused by genetics, past experiences, or societal influences.
- Free will implies the ability to make choices independent of outside forces, complicating scientific behavior analysis.
Description: Observational findings about behavior interactions; for example, linking a child's crying to the parent picking them up.
Prediction: Based on descriptions, predicting future events or behaviors, such as anticipating parental response to a child's cries.
Control: Establishes functional relations by demonstrating reliable changes in behavior due to specific antecedents, distinguishing correlation from causation.
Empiricism: Emphasizes objectivity in behavior measurement; relies on quantifiable data to assess behaviors rather than subjective reports.
Parsimony: The principle of preferring the simplest explanation before considering more complex ones, as per Occam's Razor.
Philosophic Doubt: Maintaining skepticism about conclusions, acknowledging that scientific understanding evolves with new research.
Selectionism: The concept likened to natural selection, involving three levels: biological, behavioral (operant selection), and cultural selection.
Pragmatism: Focuses on practical outcomes in behavior analysis, assessing the utility and effectiveness of theories in real-world applications.

Approaches to Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Concentrated on socially significant behavioral changes, applying procedures to influence meaningful outcomes.
Behaviorism: A philosophical approach focused on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states, encompassing various psychological perspectives.
Types of Behaviorism:
- Mythological Behaviorism: Disregards internal thoughts and feelings, concentrating solely on observable behavior.
- Radical Behaviorism: Recognizes internal events (thoughts, feelings) as behaviors, advocating a comprehensive perspective of human activity.
Experimental Analysis of Behavior: Involves laboratory studies to investigate fundamental behavioral processes, separate from applied behavior techniques.

Conditioning and Behavior

Respondent Conditioning: Involves learning where neutral stimuli gain the ability to elicit responses via association with unconditioned stimuli.
Respondent Behavior: Automatic, reflexive actions triggered by stimuli, like pupil dilation in response to light.
Operant Conditioning: The process of modifying behavior through consequences; it strengthens responses based on their outcomes.
Operant Behavior: Actions selected and maintained by their historical consequences, contrasting with reflexive respondent behavior.

Additional Concepts

Mentalism: Assumes a separate "inner" dimension affecting behavior that is not directly observable.
Methodological Behaviorism: Accepts mental events but omits them from behavioral analysis, focusing exclusively on operationally defined observable events.

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Description

Explore key concepts and definitions in Applied Behavior Analysis with these flashcards. This set focuses on understanding behavior functions and their measurements in various contexts. Perfect for ABB students preparing for exams.