Glossary P
Glossary P
Principal diagnosis refers to the disorder that is considered to be the primary reason the individual seeks professional help.
Principle of conservation of energy states that the energy within a system is constant; therefore, it cannot be added to or subtracted from but only transformed from one form to another.
Principle of contemporaneity refers to Lewin's contention that only present facts can influence present thinking and behavior. Past experiences can be influential only if a person is presently aware of them.
Principle of contingency stated thate the more consistently the reinforcer is delivered only for the desired behavior, the more effective the reinforcer.
The question "Was the reinforcer given only when the desired behavior occurred?" should be asked to decide whether this principle has been followed