RBT Reinforcement Strategies 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the definition of reinforcement in ABA?
- Giving a reward after any behavior
- A consequence that follows a behavior and increases the future likelihood of that behavior (Correct answer)
- Praising someone for being good
- Providing tokens for compliance
Correct answer: A consequence that follows a behavior and increases the future likelihood of that behavior
Reinforcement is defined by its effect on behavior. A consequence is a reinforcer only if it increases the future probability of the behavior it follows. This is a functional definition — it is determined by the effect, not the intent.
Question 2: What is the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?
- Positive is good and negative is bad
- Positive adds a stimulus to increase behavior; negative removes a stimulus to increase behavior (Correct answer)
- Positive uses praise and negative uses punishment
- There is no difference
Correct answer: Positive adds a stimulus to increase behavior; negative removes a stimulus to increase behavior
Positive reinforcement involves adding (presenting) a stimulus after a behavior, which increases the behavior. Negative reinforcement involves removing (taking away) an aversive stimulus after a behavior, which also increases the behavior. Both increase behavior.
Question 3: A child does their homework to avoid being grounded. This is an example of:
- Positive reinforcement
- Negative reinforcement (Correct answer)
- Positive punishment
- Extinction
Correct answer: Negative reinforcement
The behavior (doing homework) is strengthened because it results in the removal or avoidance of an aversive stimulus (being grounded). The behavior increases because something unpleasant is avoided — this is negative reinforcement.
Question 4: What is a primary (unconditioned) reinforcer?
- A reinforcer that must be learned through pairing
- A stimulus that has reinforcing value without prior learning, such as food, water, or warmth (Correct answer)
- A token or point system
- A type of punishment
Correct answer: A stimulus that has reinforcing value without prior learning, such as food, water, or warmth
Primary (unconditioned) reinforcers have biological value and do not require learning to be reinforcing. Examples include food, water, warmth, and sleep. They are effective because of their inherent biological significance.
Question 5: What is a conditioned (secondary) reinforcer?
- A stimulus that is inherently reinforcing
- A stimulus that acquires reinforcing value through pairing with an established reinforcer (Correct answer)
- Food and water
- An aversive stimulus
Correct answer: A stimulus that acquires reinforcing value through pairing with an established reinforcer
Conditioned reinforcers gain their reinforcing properties through repeated pairing with primary or other established reinforcers. Examples include praise, tokens, money, and grades — none are inherently reinforcing but become so through learning.
Question 6: What is a generalized conditioned reinforcer?
- A reinforcer that only works in one setting
- A conditioned reinforcer that has been paired with many different reinforcers, making it effective across multiple motivational conditions (Correct answer)
- A primary reinforcer used in many settings
- A reinforcer that does not require pairing
Correct answer: A conditioned reinforcer that has been paired with many different reinforcers, making it effective across multiple motivational conditions
A generalized conditioned reinforcer (like money, tokens, or social praise) has been paired with many different reinforcers, so it is effective regardless of which specific motivating operation is in effect. Its versatility makes it very useful in teaching.
RBT Reinforcement Strategies 1
What is the definition of reinforcement in ABA?