BCBA Behavior Reduction and Antecedent Interventions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior) requires that the alternative behavior:
- Occurs at a lower rate than the problem behavior
- Cannot physically occur at the same time as the problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Produces a different reinforcer than the problem behavior
- Is easier to perform than the problem behavior
Correct answer: Cannot physically occur at the same time as the problem behavior
In DRI, the reinforced response must be topographically incompatible with the problem behavior, meaning both cannot occur simultaneously.
Question 2: Spontaneous recovery refers to:
- Behavior returning to baseline after a treatment reversal
- The reappearance of an extinguished behavior after a period of time without extinction sessions (Correct answer)
- Rapid recovery of skills after a long absence from training
- Generalization of new behavior to untrained settings
Correct answer: The reappearance of an extinguished behavior after a period of time without extinction sessions
Spontaneous recovery is the re-emergence of a previously extinguished response following a period of rest, even without any additional reinforcement.
Question 3: Which function of problem behavior is identified when the behavior increases following the removal of an aversive task?
- Access to tangibles
- Attention
- Escape/avoidance (Correct answer)
- Automatic reinforcement
Correct answer: Escape/avoidance
When problem behavior is negatively reinforced by removal of an aversive stimulus (e.g., a task), the function is escape or avoidance.
Question 4: A behavior analyst uses a visual schedule to reduce transition-related problem behavior. This is best described as a(n):
- Consequence-based intervention
- Antecedent-based intervention (Correct answer)
- Punishment procedure
- Differential reinforcement procedure
Correct answer: Antecedent-based intervention
Visual schedules are antecedent arrangements that modify the environment before problem behavior occurs to reduce its likelihood.
Question 5: Planned ignoring is most appropriate as an intervention when problem behavior is maintained by:
- Escape from demands
- Adult attention (Correct answer)
- Access to preferred items
- Automatic sensory stimulation
Correct answer: Adult attention
Planned ignoring withholds social attention as the reinforcer; it is only effective when the function of problem behavior is attention-seeking.
Question 6: Which concept describes the idea that punishment is most effective when delivered immediately after the behavior?
- Contingency
- Immediacy (Correct answer)
- Intensity gradient
- Stimulus satiation
Correct answer: Immediacy
The immediacy principle states that consequences—both reinforcement and punishment—have greater behavior-change effects when they follow the behavior immediately.
BCBA Behavior Reduction and Antecedent Interventions 2
DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior) requires that the alternative behavior: