Defining behavior

Question 1

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Definition:

The intensity, force, or size of a behavior.

Describes how strong or powerful a response is, not how often it occurs.

Answer 1

Magnitude

Question 2

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Example:

Hand squeeze: gentle vs. very hard

Volume of a verbal response: whisper vs. shout

Answer 2

Magnitude

Question 3

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Key Point:

_____ is useful when intensity matters, e.g., aggression, vocal volume, strength of response

Answer 3

Magnitude

Question 4

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Definition:

The physical form or shape of the behavior — what it looks like.

Focus is on how the behavior is performed, not the outcome or frequency.

Answer 4

Topography

Question 5

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Example:

Writing the letter “A” with correct strokes vs. incorrect strokes

Hand-flapping: small vs. large arm movements

Answer 5

Topography

Question 6

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Key Point:

_______ is important when the form of the behavior matters, e.g., skill acquisition

Answer 6

Topography

Question 7

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Definition:

The purpose or reason a behavior occurs — what the behavior achieves for the individual.

Often identified using functional assessment or ABC analysis (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence).

Answer 7

Function

Question 8

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Example:

Tantrum: to escape a task (escape-maintained)

Crying: to gain attention (attention-maintained)

Answer 8

Function

Question 9

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Key Point:

Two behaviors may look the same (same topography) but have different _______, which guides treatment

Answer 9

Function

Question 10

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Key Point:

Rate captures how often a behavior occurs, not intensity or form

Answer 10

Rate

Question 11

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Example:

Child raises hand 10 times in a 30-minute session → rate = 0.33 responses/min

Useful for behaviors that are discrete and countable

Answer 11

Rate

Question 12

magnitude vs topography vs function, vs rate
which one?

Definition:

The number of times a behavior occurs per unit of time.

Often expressed as responses per minute, hour, or session.

Answer 12

Rate