Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven characteristics of ABA?

1. Applied

2. Behavioral

3. Adaptive

4. Generality

The correct answer is: Adaptive

The concept of "Adaptive" is not recognized as one of the seven defining characteristics of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The characteristics that are widely accepted include applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptually systematic, effective, and generality. ABA emphasizes the importance of interventions that are applied, which means they address socially significant behaviors that improve the quality of life for individuals. It also focuses on behavioral characteristics, meaning that it directly targets observable actions rather than internal states. The analytic component establishes a clear demonstration of functional relationships between behaviors and environmental events. The term "generality" pertains to the ability of the learned behaviors to be exhibited across different settings and times, which is crucial for ensuring that the effects of an intervention extend beyond the specific circumstances of the intervention itself. However, "adaptive" is not one of the defined characteristics within ABA, as ABA does not explicitly use this term to describe its framework. Instead, adaptive behavior may be an outcome of successfully employing the principles of ABA, but it is not a foundational characteristic.