ABAT Generalization and Maintenance Strategies Flashcards

A behavior analyst uses 'general case programming.' Which step is foundational to this approach?

Answer: Defining the instructional universe and sampling stimuli and responses across its full range

General case programming requires defining the range of all relevant stimuli and responses (instructional universe) and sampling across that range during training.

Booster sessions are PRIMARILY used to address which concern in behavior intervention?

Answer: Recovering or strengthening behaviors that have decreased after treatment ends

Booster sessions are brief re-interventions delivered after treatment to recover behavior that has declined during the maintenance phase.

Which of the following is an example of 'mediated generalization'?

Answer: The learner uses a self-monitoring checklist to prompt the target behavior across settings

Mediated generalization uses a common mediator (e.g., self-monitoring tool or verbal rule) that the learner carries across settings to promote generalization.

A BCBA notices that a client's newly learned communication skill is only performed during ABA therapy but not at school. The MOST appropriate immediate step is to:

Answer: Program generalization by collaborating with school staff to prompt and reinforce the skill there

Actively programming generalization by working with school staff to prompt and reinforce the skill in that setting is the most direct and appropriate intervention.

Which concept refers to the phenomenon where a well-established behavior 'traps' new relevant contingencies in the natural environment, facilitating maintenance?

Answer: Behavior trapping

Behavior trapping occurs when a newly trained behavior contacts natural reinforcement contingencies that then sustain the behavior without programmed intervention.

A teacher reports that a student no longer performs a self-care skill taught six months ago. The behavior analyst recommends periodic follow-up probes. These probes serve to:

Answer: Detect response maintenance failures early so intervention can be re-applied promptly

Periodic maintenance probes allow practitioners to catch early signs of skill decay so timely booster sessions or other interventions can be implemented.

Which of the following BEST illustrates 'training loosely' as a generalization strategy?

Answer: Varying non-essential aspects of training (e.g., instructor tone, materials, location) across sessions

Training loosely means intentionally varying non-critical training dimensions so the learner's behavior becomes less dependent on any single stimulus condition.