Chapter 3: Operational Definitions/Target Behaviors Flashcards
ABC Recording
Direct, continuous measurement of antecedents, behaviors and consequences.
Anecdotal Observation
Recording ABC data in sequential order of which the events occur.
AKA: ABC recording
Behavior Checklist
An itemized list that provides descriptions of specific skills and the conditions under which each skill should be observed.
Behavioral Assessment
Helps identify the behavior in need of interventions, and assists in identifying (does not determine) a potential function of the behavior of focus.
Behavioral Cusp
A behavior that, when performed, opens up the learner to a whole new world of contingencies for reinforcement and punishment they didn’t have access to before they engaged in the behavior.
Example: Learning to read.
Ecological Assessment
A method of direct assessment where you are gathering information on the client in different environments and how it is impacting their behavior.
Example: Observing in the classroom and at home.
Function Based Definition
Defining a behavior based on the function; why the behavior occurs.
Example: Any behavior that results in student x escaping a designated task or person for more than 1 minute.
Habilitation
Adjustment; Teaching skills to expand the client’s repertoire that result in meaningful change to their life; maximizes short and long term reinforcers and minimizes short and long term punishers.
Example: Rehab
Normalization
Philosophy of maximizing the greatest possible physical and social integration of people with disabilities into the mainstream of society.
Pivotal Behavior
A behavior that, through response generalization, leads to untrained behaviors.
Example: Imitation
Reactivity
The client is aware that they are being observed so they change their behavior for their “new” audience, however, it is temporary.
Example: Student does not exhibit problem behavior because they are being observed.
Relevance of Behavior Rule
The behavior must be relevant to the individual’s day-to-day life and environment.
Example: Self-feeding
Social Validity
The behavior change we implement focuses on socially significant behaviors that are changed in a meaningful and positive way.
Example: SIB, elopement
Target Behavior
The behavior selected for intervention.
Topography Based Definition
Defining what a behavior looks like based on shape and form.
Example: Leaving a designated area, more than three feet away, without permission.
