Let’s learn ABA Vocabulary!
Like in any science, the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis has jargon that may be unfamiliar to the layman. Whether you work in the behavior field or are a parent trying to understand more about your child’s care, we’ve created this guide to help you learn some of the most essential terms in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)!
Reinforcement
Positive Reinforcement – Positive reinforcement is the idea at the core of ABA. This term involves introducing something desirable to the client in their environment immediately following a desired behavior. The positive outcome means that the client will be more likely to repeat the behavior on their own. Positive reinforcement might be verbal praise, a desired snack, or access to a favorite activity.
Negative Reinforcement – Despite the connotations of the phrase, in ABA, Negative reinforcement does not mean punishment. Use the example of when it is raining outside (raindrops are aversive) and you open an umbrella and it removes the aversive stimulus of getting wet..and increases the likelihood you will use an umbrella in the future. In your example, a better one would be that after you have been out in the sun and get sunburned, putting aloe on the burn will remove the aversive stimulus of the stinging and increase the likelihood you will use aloe in the future.
ABCs of Behavior
Antecedent – In ABA Vocab, the Antecedent is the event, feeling, or environmental cue that evokes (triggers) a behavior
Behavior – A behavior is anything a person does or says.
Consequence – Consequence is the change in environment following a behavior. Consequence can be a determining factor in whether or not a behavior will occur again.
Tip: Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence make up what we call the ABCs of Behavior
Function – Function refers to the reason why a person performs a behavior; in other words, it refers to the need that the individual is seeking to meet. Functions can often fit into one of four categories: Sensory, Escape, Attention, or Tangibles.
Functional Replacement Behavior – Once we have identified the function of a challenging behavior, we can implement a Functional Replacement Behavior. This behavior serves the same purpose as the challenging behavior, but through an appropriate behavior.
Understanding the Behavior
Setting Event – A setting event is an environmental condition that increases the value of certain reinforcers. Examples of a Setting Event might include fatigue, hunger, stress, or even past traumas. A setting event is different from a trigger. The setting event makes it more likely that certain ’triggers’ will evoke a behavior to get a specific reinforcer.
Motivating Operation – Motivating Operations are variables that change the value of a particular reinforcer. Each individual will have their own Motivating Operations depending on their personal preferences and interests. If a child loves to play on an iPad, they might receive time to play on an iPad as reinforcement. If the child has not been given the opportunity to play on the iPad all day, the Motivating Operation increases the value of the iPad as a reinforcer and make behaviors that allow them to use the iPad more likely.
Abolishing Operation – An Abolishing Operation is kind of like the theory of diminishing returns. If a child receives the same reinforcement for a behavior constantly, the reinforcer might lose value. Let’s use our iPad example again: If a child has had the opportunity to play on the iPad several times on a given day, they might not feel the need to complete positive behaviors in order to receive playtime again. Thus, the chid’s time spent on the iPad today is an Abolishing Operation.
Prompting
Verbal prompt – A verbal prompt is a verbal cue to illicit a desired response from a client. For example, the therapist could say say “Please take your elbows off the table” as a prompt for the client to remove elbows from the table).
Physical Prompt – A Physical Prompt involves physically guiding another person’s body to complete a task. An example is a therapist holding their hands over the clients hands to assist in the motions of washing hands.
Gestural Prompt – A gestural prompt is a non-verbal gesture that cues a client to complete an action. Gestures might include nodding, pointing, or even just looking. For instance, if a therapist wanted a client to pick up an object, they might look at the object and then look at the client.
Stimulus Fading – Stimulus fading is a method of slowly removing the prompting for a certain behavior. This encourages the client to independently respond to the stimuli of their own volition.
Rewards
Token Economy – A token economy in ABA is a structured system where a client works towards a goal. The client earns “tokens” by participating in positive behaviors. When they earn enough tokens, they are able to exchange them for prizes like desired items or activities. Most adults operate in a token economy…we work (behavior) to earn money (tokens) to exchange for items or activities (reinforcers).
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC employs around 150 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC.
In everything the agency does, ABA-LLC is set apart from its competitors by its uniquely person-centered approach. The agency strives to provide services from a place of deep love for the population they serve. Their work exemplifies the belief that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and independent life integrated within their communities. There is no objective to change a person, but rather to give them the tools they need to succeed. B.F. Skinner summarizes this vision in his quote: “I’m not trying to change people. All I want is to change the world in which they live.”