What is Stimulus Control? Stimulus control refers to behavior that occurs more often in the presence of a stimulus than in its absence. Stimulus control occurs when the rate, latency, duration, or magnitude of a response is altered in the presence of an antecedent stimuli. Drivers stop in the presence of stop signs, children act […]
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What to do first when preparing for the BCBA Exam Congratulations! You’ve done the hard part. You’ve passed your classes, collected your supervision hours, and you are now ready to study for, and pass, the BCBA exam. I know, I know, this might sound like an impossible task to some of you. We’ve all heard
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What are Stimulus Classes and Response Classes? It’s important to understand the distinction between what a stimulus class is and what a response class is in applied behavior analysis. A stimulus is any change in the environment. A stimulus class is defined as a group of antecedent stimuli that have a similar effect on responses
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What are the Characteristics of Single Subject Experimental Designs? Single-subject designs are the staple of applied behavior analysis research. Those preparing for the BCBA exam or the BCaBA exam must know single subject terms and definitions. When choosing a single-subject experimental design, ABA researchers are looking for certain characteristics that fit their study. First, individuals
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Conditioned Motivating Operations in ABA Conditioned motivating operations (CMOs) are motivating operations that are established through learning history. CMOs are just like unconditioned motivating operations (UMOs) except UMOs do not require learning. In ABA, motivating operations alter the value of consequences while evoking or abating behavior typically due to deprivation or satiation. Motivating operations are
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What is Positive and Negative Punishment? Positive and negative punishment are typically used as a last resort, or for dangerous behaviors, in applied behavior analysis. However, punishment can be an effective tool in any situation when used properly. BCBAs and BCaBAs must know how to use overcorrection, response cost, and time-out properly and effectively to
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Verbal Behavior and Verbal Operants on the BCBA Exam B.F. Skinner introduced his definitions of verbal operants and verbal behavior in his famous book “Verbal Behavior.” Verbal behavior is socially mediated and reinforced by another person’s behavior. In Applied Behavior Analysis, verbal operants are the primary focus of verbal behavior. These operants include: mands, tacts,
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Mentalisms in Applied Behavior Analysis The BCBA exam will test your knowledge on the different types of mentalisms associated with ABA. As a BCBA, we always want to target behavior that is observable and measurable. Mentalisms are subjective attitudes, feelings, and other constructs that attempt to use internal factors to explain behaviors. To pass the
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Compound Schedules of Reinforcement on the BCBA Exam The board certified behavior certification exam requires you to know seven compound schedules of reinforcement. As a BCBA, you must advance beyond simple schedules of reinforcement (fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, variable interval) and understand the more complex ways we can design reinforcement. Those schedules are:
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