ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Test Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior Reduction Interventions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), reinforcement is delivered when:
- A specific alternative behavior replaces the target behavior
- The target behavior has not occurred during a specified time interval (Correct answer)
- A behavior physically incompatible with the target behavior occurs
- The rate of the target behavior drops below a predetermined criterion
Correct answer: The target behavior has not occurred during a specified time interval
DRO reinforces the absence of the target behavior during a set interval — no particular replacement behavior is required, only the non-occurrence of the problem behavior within that window.
Question 2: Non-contingent reinforcement (NCR) reduces problem behavior primarily by:
- Punishing the problem behavior each time it is emitted
- Delivering the maintaining reinforcer independent of the individual's behavior (Correct answer)
- Teaching a functionally equivalent communicative response
- Removing the discriminative stimulus that sets the occasion for problem behavior
Correct answer: Delivering the maintaining reinforcer independent of the individual's behavior
NCR delivers the reinforcer that maintains the problem behavior on a fixed-time or variable-time schedule regardless of what the individual does, which reduces the motivating operation and thereby the probability of the problem behavior.
Question 3: Positive practice overcorrection differs from restitution overcorrection in that positive practice requires the individual to:
- Restore the environment to a state better than before the problem behavior occurred
- Repeatedly practice the correct or appropriate form of the behavior contingent on the problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Remain in a designated area until a set period of time has elapsed
- Lose a specified quantity of previously earned reinforcers
Correct answer: Repeatedly practice the correct or appropriate form of the behavior contingent on the problem behavior
Positive practice overcorrection involves the repeated rehearsal of a correct behavior as a consequence of the problem behavior, whereas restitution requires the individual to repair the environmental damage caused by the behavior.
Question 4: Functional communication training (FCT) is considered a behavior reduction intervention because it:
- Extinguishes the problem behavior by withholding all reinforcement
- Teaches a communicative response that accesses the same reinforcer as the problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Reduces the rate of reinforcement available in the environment below baseline levels
- Pairs an aversive stimulus with the antecedents that trigger problem behavior
Correct answer: Teaches a communicative response that accesses the same reinforcer as the problem behavior
FCT replaces the problem behavior with an appropriate communicative response (e.g., asking for a break) that produces the same functional reinforcer, making the problem behavior unnecessary while keeping the individual's access to reinforcement intact.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes negative punishment as a behavior reduction procedure?
- Presenting an aversive stimulus immediately following the problem behavior
- Removing a preferred stimulus contingent on the occurrence of the problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Requiring the individual to engage in effortful corrective activity after the problem behavior
- Reducing the overall density of reinforcement available in the environment
Correct answer: Removing a preferred stimulus contingent on the occurrence of the problem behavior
Negative punishment involves the removal (hence 'negative') of a desired stimulus following a behavior, which decreases the future frequency of that behavior. Response cost and time-out from positive reinforcement are common examples.
Question 6: Manipulating an establishing operation (EO) before a session reduces problem behavior by:
- Increasing the value of the reinforcer that maintains the problem behavior
- Temporarily decreasing the value of the reinforcer that maintains the problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Delivering punishment contingent on each occurrence of the problem behavior
- Providing differential reinforcement at the end of each trial
Correct answer: Temporarily decreasing the value of the reinforcer that maintains the problem behavior
Providing pre-session access to the maintaining reinforcer (an abolishing operation) reduces its current reinforcing value, thereby decreasing the individual's motivation to engage in problem behavior to obtain it during the session.
ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Test Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior Reduction Interventions 1
In differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), reinforcement is delivered when: