1) Interventions that are designed to change behavior in a precisely measurable manner. Often used interchangeably with the terms applied behavior analysis and behavior therapy. However, applied behavior analysis is restricted to those interventions that also include an experimental analytic design to assess treatment effects. When respondent (i.e., "Pavlovian") procedures are emphasized, the term behavior therapy tends to be used. Treatment involving modification of self-communication ("thoughts" and "images") usually is labeled "Cognitive Behavior Therapy."

2) Changing of behavior. While all teaching could be seen as behavior modification, the term usually refers to (1) the explicit use of reinforcers to change behavior (as in a token economy), or (2) clinical uses of respondent conditioning, such as "desensitization" or "aversion therapy."