ABA Terms
Positive Reinforcement
Definition
A stimulus (an object or event) follows a response that increases the likelihood that the same response will occur again.
Example
Jenny says, “drink” and her mom gives her a drink. Jenny says,”drink” in the future when thirsty.
Negative Reinforcement
Definition
A stimulus is removed following a response that increases the likelihood that the same response will occur again.
Example
Matt says, “all done” and his mom allows him to be excused from the table. Matt continues to say, “all done” in the future when finished eating.
Positive Punishment
Definition
A stimulus (an object or event) follows a response that decreases the likelihood that the same response will occur again.
Example
Negative Punishment
Definition
A stimulus is removed following a response that decreases the likelihood that the same response will occur again.
Example
Jill didn’t do he homework and then lost recess for the day; Jill now always completed her homework.
Shaping
Definition
Teaching a new behavior reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior
Example
When teaching a child a new word such as cup, you begin with reinforcing “c-” then “cu” and eventually the full word “cup”.
Differential Reinforcement
Definition
Reinforcing one form of behavior while withholding reinforcement of a different form.
Example
Calling on a student with a hand raised but not calling on a student yelling the teacher’s name.