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BHS101 Midterm Notes

This document defines key concepts in behavior analysis. It explains that behavior is any activity that can be observed and measured, including overt behaviors that others can see and covert behaviors that only the person can observe. Behavior is defined in terms of specific dimensions like frequency, intensity, and duration. Applied behavior analysis uses principles of behavior to improve socially significant behaviors through systematic intervention and experimentation. Target behaviors must be operationally defined in an objective, observable way including examples and exceptions. Behaviors should be defined in terms of deficits or excesses to guide treatment. ABA features include focusing on socially important behaviors, defining behaviors precisely and applying techniques grounded in behavioral principles to create lasting changes across settings.

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18 views2 pages

BHS101 Midterm Notes

This document defines key concepts in behavior analysis. It explains that behavior is any activity that can be observed and measured, including overt behaviors that others can see and covert behaviors that only the person can observe. Behavior is defined in terms of specific dimensions like frequency, intensity, and duration. Applied behavior analysis uses principles of behavior to improve socially significant behaviors through systematic intervention and experimentation. Target behaviors must be operationally defined in an objective, observable way including examples and exceptions. Behaviors should be defined in terms of deficits or excesses to guide treatment. ABA features include focusing on socially important behaviors, defining behaviors precisely and applying techniques grounded in behavioral principles to create lasting changes across settings.

Uploaded by

winywlchan
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Week 1

What is behaviour?

 Behaviour is the activity of living organisms.


 It can be observed and measured
 There are two types of behaviours: overt & covert
o Overt: behaviour that can be observed by any other person
o Covert: behaviour that can only be recorded and observed by the person
engaging in the behaviour
What is NOT behaviour?

 The “Dead Man Test”: If a dead man can do it, then it is not a behaviour
 Interpretation
 Reaction
 Explanations
 Summary labels
o Our brief observations of their behaviour e.g. “intelligent”, “nice”
o Disadvantage of summary labels: circular reasoning (cause and effect inferred
from the same information)
o It only focus on the deficits vs the strengths of the person
 Describe personal motivations, internal thoughts or feelings

Dimensions of behaviour (specific to overt behaviour only)

 Frequency: amount of time


 Intensity: voice volume, pain and pressure intensity
 Duration: how long the behaviour lasts
 Latency: reaction time

ABA: “Applied behaviour analysis is the science in which tactics derived from the principles
of behaviour are applied systematically to improve socially significant behaviour and
experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for behaviour change”
Define target behaviour:
- Operational definition: a thorough description of the target behaviour that is clear and
complete. Need to includes:
1. Can be seen or heard
2. When the behaviour starts
3. The duration or indication that behaviour has ended
4. All possible variations
5. exceptions
- Should be objective (no feelings, no intent, no judgment o label)
- Describe what the behaviour looks like
- Provide specific examples
- May include steps or Levels

Behaviour Deficits Vs Behaviour Excesses


We define behaviour in terms of deficits and excesses
- Why is it important to define behaviour in terms of deficits and excesses?
1. Regardless of the label attached to the individual, it is the behaviour that causes
the concern and it is the behaviour that must be treated to alleviate the problem
2. There are specific techniques that can be used to improve behaviour
3. Summary labels stand in the way of us addressing the behaviour and changing it

Seven Dimensions of ABA / features of ABA


-Behavioural: socially significant behaviour , not just improve person’s day of living, but for
their family and community
-Applied: define a behaviour in observable and measurable way in need of improvement
-Technological: define procedures clearly and in an easy to understand way (make sure
someone follow your operational definition
-Conceptual systematic: treatment procedures should be properly described and outcome
interpereted in terms of basic principles of behaviour
-Analytical: A functional relationship is demonstrated
-Generality: behaviour change persists and can be seen across various settings, time, people
and other behaviour
-Effective: improves behaviour in a practical manner, not simply making a change is
statistically significant.

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