Discrete Trial Teaching Methods Flashcards
6 cards from real RBT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Discrete Trial Teaching Methods flashcards as text
In a discrete trial, what is the function of the discriminative stimulus (SD)?
Answer: It precedes the response and signals that the correct response will produce reinforcement
The discriminative stimulus (SD) signals the availability of reinforcement — it precedes the response and indicates that a specific behavior will be reinforced in that context. Responding to the SD is what is taught in discrete trial training.
A client is learning to identify colors. When the RBT says 'Point to blue,' the client correctly points to the blue block. The RBT immediately says 'Great job!' and gives a star. What component of the discrete trial does 'Great job!' and the star represent?
Answer: The reinforcing consequence (SR+)
The reinforcing consequence (SR+) is the stimulus delivered following a correct response. In this case, the verbal praise and star are presented contingent on the correct pointing response, functioning as positive reinforcement.
What is 'stimulus control' in the context of discrete trial teaching?
Answer: When a behavior occurs reliably in the presence of the SD and not in its absence
Stimulus control exists when a behavior reliably occurs in the presence of a specific stimulus (SD) and does not occur in its absence. Establishing stimulus control is a primary goal of DTT.
During a DTT session, a client begins to cry and becomes very upset. The RBT completes the current trial, then pauses the structured session to attend to the client. Which behavior management consideration does this illustrate?
Answer: Balancing structured teaching with attentiveness to the client's current emotional/physiological state
Effective RBTs balance structured teaching with responsiveness to the client's current state. Pausing a structured session when a client is significantly distressed shows attentiveness to client wellbeing and readiness for learning.
Which of the following BEST describes 'massed practice' in discrete trial teaching?
Answer: Presenting multiple consecutive trials for the same target with minimal variation
Massed practice involves presenting multiple consecutive trials of the same target within a short time frame. It is used for initial acquisition to maximize learning opportunities for a single target.
What is the primary advantage of using a randomized rotation of trials across multiple targets (also called 'random rotation' or 'mixed training') in DTT?
Answer: It prevents rote memorization and promotes true stimulus control by varying the sequence of SD presentations
Random rotation prevents clients from responding based on trial order or position rather than the SD. It promotes true discriminative responding and reduces error patterns based on pattern memorization.