What term represents the characteristics of measurable increases in target behaviors?

The term that represents the characteristics of measurable increases in target behaviors is associated with behavioral excesses. Behavioral excesses refer to a situation where a behavior occurs at a frequency or intensity greater than desired or considered appropriate. In the context of behavior analysis, when we talk about measurable increases, it indicates that the behavior has gone beyond a baseline level, which aligns with the notion of excess.

Behavioral excesses denote behaviors that are present in quantities that can be reliably observed and measured. For example, if a child is engaging in a disruptive behavior more frequently than is acceptable within a certain setting, this would be an excess of that behavior. The focus is often on reducing these excesses through various intervention strategies.

Understanding behavioral excesses is crucial for practitioners, as it helps in designing interventions that aim to decrease undesirable behaviors while ensuring that any increases in targeted positive behaviors are measurable and aligned with the defined goals of a behavioral program.