Operational Definitions – Behavior That Is Accurate, Complete, Concise, and Includes Inclusions/Exclusions

by Rainbow Therapy
October 13, 2023

Operational definitions are a critical component of ABA therapy Services. They are precise and explicit descriptions of target behaviors that allow therapists to measure and analyze behavior objectively. Operational definitions provide clear criteria for identifying and assessing behaviors, making it easier to track progress, collect data, and ensure consistency in ABA interventions.

The key components and principles of operational definitions in ABA therapy:

Clear and Specific: Operational definitions are clear, specific, and unambiguous. They leave no room for interpretation or subjective judgment. They describe the behavior in observable and measurable terms.
Objective: Operational definitions are based on observable, measurable, and objective criteria. They avoid subjective terms or vague descriptions.
Behavioral: Operational definitions focus exclusively on behavior, actions, or responses that can be observed and measured. They do not include assumptions about thoughts, feelings, or intentions
Observable: The behavior described in an operational definition must be something that can be directly observed or heard by an independent observer. It should not rely on inferences or assumptions.
Measurable: Operational definitions include criteria that allow for the measurement of the behavior’s frequency, duration, intensity, latency, or other relevant dimensions. This enables precise data collection.
Temporal Frame: Operational definitions may specify a temporal frame for when the behavior occurs, such as “within a 5-minute interval” or “at least three times per hour.”
Independent Verification: Operational definitions should be written in a way that allows different observers to independently agree on when the behavior has occurred or not. They promote interobserver agreement and reliability.
Nonjudgmental: Operational definitions do not include value judgments, opinions, or labels. They stick to the observable facts of the behavior.
Contextual: The operational definition may include information about the context or setting in which the behavior occurs. This helps ensure that the behavior is described accurately within its relevant environment.
Examples: When applicable, operational definitions may provide examples or scenarios to illustrate the behavior being described.

Here are some examples of operational definitions:

Target Behavior: Aggression

Operational Definition: Any instance in which the individual physically strikes, hits, or kicks another person, object, or self, resulting in observable physical contact or forceful impact. In this example, the operational definition of “aggression” provides clear, measurable criteria for identifying the behavior. It specifies the actions (physical striking, hitting, kicking), the targets (another person, object, self), and the observable outcomes (physical contact or forceful impact).

Target Behavior: Hand-Raising in the Classroom

Operational Definition: The student’s hand is raised above the level of the desk or waist, with fingers extended, and maintained in the raised position for a minimum of 5 seconds while seated at their desk during a classroom lesson.

Target Behavior: Transitioning Independently from One Activity to Another

Operational Definition: The student independently initiates and completes a transition from one activity to another within 30 seconds without prompting or assistance. A successful transition involves leaving the current activity, moving to the new activity area, and beginning the new activity without engaging in off-task behavior

Target Behavior: Noncompliance

Operational Definition: Noncompliance is defined as the student refusing to follow a specific instruction or request within 5 seconds of it being presented by an adult. Refusal behaviors include verbal protests, ignoring the instruction, or physically resisting the instruction (e.g., turning away, pushing the instruction away).

Target Behavior: Reducing Self-Injurious Behavior

Operational Definition: Self-injurious behavior is operationally defined as any instance in which the individual engages in self-directed physical actions that result in observable harm or injury. This includes hitting one’s head with closed fists, biting one’s hand, or banging one’s head against a hard surface.

Target Behavior: Increasing Social Greetings

Operational Definition: Social greetings involve the individual making eye contact with another person, smiling, and saying “hello” or an appropriate greeting phrase when encountering someone familiar in a social setting. A successful social greeting is defined as the individual demonstrating these three components within 3 seconds of the social interaction.

Target Behavior: Reducing Aggression Toward Peers

Operational Definition: Aggression is operationally defined as any instance in which the individual physically strikes, hits, kicks, or otherwise uses force against a peer, resulting in observable physical contact or forceful impact. A successful reduction in aggression is evidenced by a decrease in the frequency of these behaviors.

Target Behavior: Increasing Eye Contact During Conversations

Operational Definition: During a conversation, the individual maintains eye contact with the communication partner for at least 70% of the time while actively engaged in the exchange of information. Eye contact is defined as direct visual contact between the individual’s eyes and the eyes of the partner.

Target Behavior: Reducing Stereotypy (Repetitive Movements)

Operational Definition: Stereotypy is operationally defined as any repetitive motor movement or vocalization that occurs for a duration of at least 10 seconds and interferes with the individual’s engagement in age-appropriate and socially meaningful activities. Examples include hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating specific phrases.

Target Behavior: Increasing Independence in Toileting

Operational Definition: Independence in toileting is defined as the individual independently initiating and completing all steps of toileting, including entering the restroom, undressing, using the toilet, wiping, flushing, and dressing afterward. The individual must complete all steps without any prompting or assistance.

Target Behavior: Reducing Elopement (Running Away)

Operational Definition: Elopement is operationally defined as any instance in which the individual leaves a designated safe area without the knowledge or permission of the supervising adult. Successful reduction of elopement is evidenced by a decrease in the frequency of such occurrences.

Target Behavior: Increasing Functional Communication

Operational Definition: Functional communication is defined as the individual using an appropriate and socially acceptable form of communication (e.g., words, signs, communication device) to express their needs, wants, and preferences effectively. The individual must use functional communication at least three times during a designated communication opportunity.

Target Behavior: Reducing Disruptive Behaviors During Instruction

Operational Definition: Disruptive behaviors are operationally defined as any behaviors that interrupt or impede the flow of instruction. These behaviors include but are not limited to yelling, throwing objects, leaving the instructional area without permission, or engaging in unrelated activities during structured learning sessions.

Target Behavior: Increasing Sharing with Peers

Operational Definition: Sharing with peers is defined as the individual willingly and voluntarily offering a toy, object, or resource to a peer during a play or social interaction. Successful sharing is evidenced by the individual sharing at least one item with a peer without adult prompting or interference.

Here are some considerations related to operational definitions in ABA Therapy:

Baseline Measurement: Operational definitions are crucial for establishing a baseline measurement of the behavior before intervention begins. This baseline serves as a reference point for assessing the effectiveness of interventions and tracking progress.
Behavioral Function: In some cases, operational definitions may also include information about the function or purpose of the behavior, such as whether it serves to gain attention, escape a demand, access a preferred item, or self-stimulate.
Replacement Behaviors: In ABA therapy, operational definitions may not only describe problem behaviors but also target behaviors that are to be increased or taught as alternatives to problem behaviors. Operational definitions for replacement behaviors are equally important for tracking progress.
Consistency Across Observers: To ensure consistency and reliability in data collection, ABA therapists often provide training and clear guidelines to observers (such as therapists, teachers, or parents) on how to use operational definitions effectively.
Data Collection Systems: Operational definitions are used to develop data collection systems, which may include frequency counts, duration recording, event recording, or other methods depending on the behavior being measured.
Continuous Monitoring: ABA therapists continuously monitor and update operational definitions as needed. If there are changes in the behavior or intervention plan, the operational definition may be revised to reflect those changes accurately.
Communication: Clear and precise operational definitions facilitate effective communication among ABA therapy team members, ensuring that everyone understands the target behaviors and intervention strategies.
Individualization: Operational definitions are individualized to the specific behaviors and needs of each client. What constitutes a target behavior for one individual may differ from another based on their unique goals and challenges.
Reactivity: ABA therapists are aware that the act of observing and recording behavior can sometimes influence the behavior being observed (reactivity). Operational definitions help minimize this potential effect by ensuring that behaviors are measured objectively.
Goal Tracking: Operational definitions play a key role in goal setting and tracking progress. They help therapists and clients establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for behavior change.
Behavioral Change: Operational definitions are not only used to measure behaviors but also to guide the development of behavior change interventions. Once a target behavior is defined operationally, ABA therapists can design interventions that are specifically tailored to address that behavior.
Antecedents and Consequences: In addition to describing the behavior itself, operational definitions may include information about the antecedents (what happens right before the behavior) and the consequences (what happens immediately after the behavior). Understanding these factors helps identify patterns and triggers associated with the behavior.
Criterion for Success: Operational definitions often include criteria for success, specifying what constitutes a successful occurrence of the behavior. This criterion helps determine when a behavior has been achieved or when it is appropriate to move on to a different target behavior.
Measurement Tools: Operational definitions guide the selection of measurement tools and methods. ABA therapists choose the most appropriate measurement tool (e.g., frequency, duration, latency) based on the specific operational definition.
Functional Analysis: In more complex cases, functional analysis involves using operational definitions to conduct a systematic assessment of the functions of problem behaviors. This helps identify the underlying reasons or motivations for the behavior.
Interobserver Agreement: Operational definitions are used to establish interobserver agreement, ensuring that multiple observers can reliably identify and record the target behavior in a consistent manner.
Treatment Integrity: ABA therapists use operational definitions to ensure treatment integrity, meaning that interventions are implemented as intended. This helps maintain the consistency and effectiveness of interventions.
Data Analysis: The data collected based on operational definitions are analyzed to determine the effectiveness of interventions, track progress, and make data-driven decisions about the need for adjustments in the intervention plan.
Documentation: Operational definitions are typically documented in the individual’s behavior intervention plan (BIP) or treatment plan. They serve as a reference for all team members involved in the individual’s therapy.
Ethical Considerations: ABA therapists ensure that operational definitions are developed and applied in an ethical manner, respecting the individual’s rights and dignity. This includes ensuring that reinforcement and interventions are socially valid and meaningful to the individual.

In conclusion, operational definitions are a cornerstone of ABA therapy, providing a systematic and objective approach to behavior assessment, intervention, and measurement. By using clear and precise descriptions of target behaviors, ABA therapists can effectively address a wide range of behavioral challenges and support skill development in individuals with autism and other developmental differences.