Behavior Reduction Flashcards

What part of a behavior intervention plan defines what to do if a client's behavioral behaviors endanger him or others in the environment?

Answer: Crisis plan

A crisis plan is a critical component of a behavior intervention plan (BIP) that specifically details procedures to be followed when a client's behavior poses an immediate danger to themselves or others. It outlines steps for de-escalation, safety measures, and emergency protocols to ensure everyone's well-being in high-risk situations.

"Property destruction is maintained by positive reinforcement in the form of access to attention," according to a sample behavior intervention plan (BIP). What crucial component of a behavior intervention strategy is likely to include this?

Answer: Function(s)

The statement 'Property destruction is maintained by positive reinforcement in the form of access to attention' directly identifies the purpose or reason why the problem behavior occurs. In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), understanding the function(s) of a behavior (e.g., attention, escape, access to tangibles, automatic reinforcement) is a crucial step in developing an effective behavior intervention plan.

A(n) _________ is a written document that describes ways for reducing problem behavior and promoting functionally similar replacement behaviors.

Answer: Behavior intervention plan (BIP)

A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a formal, written document developed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or other qualified professional. It systematically describes the target behaviors, their identified functions, and specific strategies—including antecedent modifications, replacement behaviors, and consequence modifications—designed to decrease problem behaviors and promote more appropriate, functional alternatives.

A clear, customized, detailed description of the issue behavior and how data is collected is a key component of what type of behavior intervention plan?

Answer: Operational definition

An operational definition is a precise and objective description of a target behavior, outlining exactly what the behavior looks like, what it sounds like, and what it does not include. This detailed definition ensures that all observers can consistently identify and measure the behavior, which is essential for accurate data collection and effective intervention planning.

Non-socially mediated consequences are denoted by _______, whereas socially mediated effects are denoted by _____ .

Answer: Automatic; social

In behavior analysis, 'automatic' refers to consequences that are not mediated by another person, meaning the behavior itself produces its own reinforcement (e.g., sensory stimulation). 'Social' refers to consequences that are delivered by another person, such as attention, escape from demands, or access to tangibles provided by someone else.

Procedures undertaken before a problem behavior to prevent the behavior from developing are what crucial component of a behavior intervention plan?

Answer: Antecedent modifications

Antecedent modifications are strategies implemented *before* a problem behavior occurs to reduce the likelihood of it happening. These procedures involve altering the environment or specific triggers (antecedents) that typically precede the behavior, thereby preventing the behavior from being evoked in the first place.

What component of a behavior intervention plan defines which behaviors the client should be taught?

Answer: Replacement behaviors

Replacement behaviors are appropriate, functional behaviors that are taught to a client to serve the same purpose or function as their problem behavior. This component of a BIP focuses on providing the client with a more acceptable way to achieve their desired outcome, making the problem behavior unnecessary and promoting more adaptive skills.

The addition of a stimulus is referred to as _________, whereas the removal of a stimulus is referred to as_______.

Answer: Positive; negative

In the principles of operant conditioning, 'positive' refers to the addition of a stimulus to the environment, while 'negative' refers to the removal of a stimulus from the environment. These terms do not imply good or bad, but rather whether something is presented or taken away following a behavior, influencing its future likelihood.

Procedures performed after a problem behavior to reduce the risk of the behavior occurring again in the future are what crucial component of a behavior intervention plan?

Answer: Consequence modifications

Consequence modifications are procedures implemented *after* a problem behavior has occurred, with the aim of decreasing the future likelihood of that behavior. These strategies involve altering the outcomes or reactions to the behavior, such as withholding reinforcement for the problem behavior or providing reinforcement for alternative behaviors, to change its future occurrence.

What behavioral principle best captures the behavioral consequence of a problem behavior maintained by attention?

Answer: Social positive reinforcement

When a problem behavior is maintained by attention, it means that the behavior is followed by the delivery of attention from another person, which increases the future likelihood of that behavior occurring. This specific behavioral principle is known as social positive reinforcement, as a stimulus (attention) is added by another person (social) to strengthen the behavior (positive reinforcement).

What type of behavior is sustained through social interactions (e.g., tickles, surprise, chasing, and so on)?

Answer: Attention

Behaviors maintained by attention are those that result in a person receiving notice, interaction, or engagement from others. Social interactions such as tickles, surprise, and chasing are all forms of attention, as they involve another person actively engaging with the individual, thereby reinforcing the preceding behavior and increasing its future likelihood.

What relationship should a functionally equivalent alternative reaction (F=AR; AKA replacement behavior) have to its corresponding issue behavior?

Answer: The F=AR should have the same function as problem behavior

For a functionally equivalent alternative reaction (replacement behavior) to be effective, it must serve the exact same function as the problem behavior. If the replacement behavior does not achieve the same desired outcome (e.g., attention, escape, tangibles), the individual will likely revert to the problem behavior because it is still the most efficient way to meet their need.

Phoenix engages in numerous self-destructive actions. Your BCBA wants you to keep track of how frequently she hurts herself while she is in a social group, as well as when each behavior occurs. What instrument are you NOT required to carry with you at this time?

Answer: Highlighter

When tracking the frequency and occurrence of self-destructive actions in real-time, tools like a timer (for interval recording or duration), a clicker (for tallying frequency), and a pen (for marking data sheets) are essential. A highlighter, however, is not a standard tool for real-time data collection in this context, as it doesn't directly aid in counting or timing behaviors.

You are to observe a client for 30 minutes while using partial interval recording and spitting at 5-minute intervals, according to your BCBA. How should we interpret this data?

Answer: Record it if the spitting occurred any time within each 5-minute interval.

In partial interval recording, the observer records whether the target behavior occurred at any time during the specified interval, even if it was only for a brief moment. It does not require the behavior to occur throughout the entire interval or only at the end. Therefore, if spitting occurred at any point within each 5-minute interval, it should be recorded.

RBT Sherly is working at the residence of one of her clients. His parent approaches Shellie as she is working with the youngster and asks if she can assist him in introducing a new objective to his child. The dad desires to encourage his child to try new meals. The case supervisor has NOT had a conversation about this. Sherly ought to ___.

Answer: Not agree to work on the goal since it has not been discussed with the BCBA first and tell parents that they should talk with the BCBA.

RBTs must always work under the direct supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). They are not authorized to independently add or modify client goals without prior discussion and approval from their supervisor. Therefore, Sherly must inform the parents to discuss any new objectives with the BCBA to ensure the treatment plan remains ethical and effective.

A client's usage of self-destructive behaviors has risen. 15 times per hour was the rate when you last worked with this client. It jumped to 78 times per hour during the most recent session. What ought you to do?

Answer: Contact the BCBA immediately and inform them of the behavior change after the session is over.

A significant and sudden increase in self-destructive behaviors is a critical incident that requires immediate attention. RBTs are obligated to report such changes promptly to their supervising BCBA to ensure client safety and allow for timely adjustments to the treatment plan. Waiting or taking other actions without BCBA consultation would be inappropriate and potentially harmful.