Behavior Reduction Strategies Flashcards

A technician notices that a learner's problem behavior has not decreased after 4 weeks of implementing a behavior reduction plan with high fidelity. The technician should:

Answer: Continue the current plan and document the lack of progress to report to the BCBA

The technician should document lack of progress and report it to the BCBA, who is responsible for evaluating and modifying the intervention plan.

Which of the following is an example of differential reinforcement of low rates of behavior (DRL)?

Answer: Providing reinforcement only when the learner asks for breaks fewer than 3 times per hour

DRL reinforces the behavior when it occurs at or below a specified criterion rate, making it useful for reducing but not eliminating behaviors that are acceptable at low frequencies.

A learner engages in repetitive questioning (verbal behavior maintained by attention). The technician is instructed to deliver brief attention on a fixed-time 2-minute schedule regardless of whether questioning occurs. Over time, the questioning is expected to decrease because:

Answer: The motivating operation for attention-seeking behavior is reduced by the free delivery of attention

NCR reduces the establishing operation for attention-seeking by providing attention on a time-based schedule, thereby diminishing the value of attention as a reinforcer for problem behavior.

A behavior support plan includes a 'precorrection' strategy before lunch. The technician verbally reviews expectations with the learner 2 minutes before the transition. Precorrection is designed to:

Answer: Prompt appropriate behavior before a high-risk antecedent occurs

Precorrection involves prompting or reminding a learner of expected behavior before a context in which problem behavior is likely, functioning as a proactive antecedent strategy.

A learner's SIB escalates during a behavior reduction plan that uses planned ignoring. The technician observes the behavior is now at dangerous levels. The BEST immediate action is to:

Answer: Ensure the learner is safe, stop the session if necessary, and immediately contact the BCBA

When a learner's safety is at risk during a behavior plan, the technician must prioritize safety and immediately notify the supervising BCBA.

The primary advantage of function-based behavior reduction strategies over non-function-based strategies is that they:

Answer: Target the environmental variables maintaining the behavior, making them more likely to produce lasting change

Function-based interventions address the reinforcement contingency maintaining the behavior, leading to more durable and generalized reduction than symptom-only suppression.

When transitioning a learner from a continuous extinction protocol to a maintenance phase, the technician should expect:

Answer: Possible resurgence of the behavior and the need for consistent extinction application

During and after extinction, resurgence and spontaneous recovery are possible, requiring continued vigilant and consistent application of the extinction procedure.