applied behavior analysis

Application of the principles of operant conditioning to change human behavior.

associate learning

Learning that two events are connected (associated).

behaviorism
The view that behavior should be explained by observable experiences, not by mental processes.

classical conditioning
A form of associative learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response (think Pavlov).

cognitive behavior approaches

Changing behavior by getting individuals to monitor, manage, and regulate their own behavior rather than letting it be controlled by external factors.

contracting
Putting reinforcement contingencies into writing.

learning
A relatively permanent influence on behavior, knowledge, and thinking skills, which comes about through experience.

mental processes
Thoughts, feelings, and motives that cannot be observed by others.

negative reinforcement
Reinforcement based on the principle that the frequency of a response increases because of an aversive (unpleasant) stimulus is removed.

observational learning
Learning that involves acquiring skills, strategies, and beliefs by observing others.

operant conditioning
Also called instrumental conditioning, this is a form of learning in which the consequences of behavior produce changes in the probability that the behavior will occur. (think BF Skinner)

positive reinforcement
Reinforcement based on the principle that the frequency of a response increases because it is followed by a rewarding stimulus.

Premack principle
The principle that a high-probability activity can serve as a reinforcer for a low-probability.

prompt
An added stimulus or cue that is given just before a response will occur.

punishment
A consequence that decreases the probability that a behavior will occur.

reinforcement (reward)
A consequence that increases the probability that a behavior will occur.

response cost

Taking a positive reinforcer away from an individual.

schedules of reinforcement
Partial reinforcement timetables that determine when a response will be reinforced.

self efficacy
The belief that one can master a situation and produce positive outcomes.

self instructed methods

Cognitive behavior techniques aimed at teaching individuals to modify their own behavior.

self regulatory learning

The self-generation and self-monitoring of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to reach a goal.

shaping
Teaching new behaviors by reinforcing successive approximations to a specified target behavior.

social cognitive theory

Bandura's theory that social and cognitive factors, as well as behavior, play important roles in learning.

systematic desensitization
A method based on classical conditioning that reduces anxiety by getting the individual to associate deep relaxation with successive visualizations of increasingly anxiety-provoking situations.

time out
Removing an individual from positive reinforcement.