ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Skill Acquisition Programming Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An ABAT is teaching a child to say the word "bubble." The technician first reinforces the child for making a "buh" sound, then for saying "bub," and finally for saying the full word "bubble." This process is an example of which skill acquisition technique?
- Chaining
- Shaping (Correct answer)
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
- Prompting
Correct answer: Shaping
Shaping is the correct answer because it involves reinforcing successive approximations of a target behavior. In this scenario, the ABAT is reinforcing closer and closer attempts at the word "bubble" until the child can say the full word.
Question 2: During a skill acquisition session, a supervisor instructs an ABAT to use a teaching method that is child-led and incorporates learning opportunities into the client's ongoing, everyday activities. Which teaching strategy does this describe?
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
- Task Analysis
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET) (Correct answer)
- Errorless Learning
Correct answer: Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is a method that uses the principles of ABA within a child's natural environment, leveraging their motivations and interests to guide teaching. Unlike the highly structured DTT, NET is flexible and focuses on generalizing skills in real-world settings.
Question 3: Which of the following is a defining component of Discrete Trial Training (DTT)?
- The teaching opportunity is initiated by the learner's interest in an item.
- It consists of a distinct antecedent, behavior, and consequence. (Correct answer)
- Skills are taught exclusively within a group setting.
- Reinforcement is provided on a variable, unpredictable schedule.
Correct answer: It consists of a distinct antecedent, behavior, and consequence.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a structured teaching method that breaks down skills into small, 'discrete' components. Each trial has a clear beginning and end, consisting of the antecedent (instruction), the behavior (response), and the consequence (reinforcement or correction).
Question 4: An ABAT is working with a client on the skill of handwashing. The ABAT has broken down the skill into the following steps: 1) Turn on water, 2) Wet hands, 3) Get soap, 4) Lather hands, 5) Rinse hands, 6) Turn off water, 7) Dry hands. This process of breaking down a complex skill is known as:
- Shaping
- Prompt Fading
- Generalization
- Task Analysis (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Task Analysis
Task analysis is the process of breaking a complex skill into smaller, more manageable steps to teach. This list of sequential steps for handwashing is a classic example of a task analysis, which can then be used with a chaining procedure to teach the skill.
Question 5: While teaching a client to identify the color blue, an ABAT points to the correct blue card among an array of different colored cards. What type of prompt is the ABAT using?
- Verbal Prompt
- Physical Prompt
- Gestural Prompt (Correct answer)
- Modeling Prompt
Correct answer: Gestural Prompt
A gestural prompt involves using a physical gesture, such as pointing, nodding, or tapping, to indicate the correct response. In this scenario, pointing to the blue card is a form of gestural prompt.
Question 6: A skill acquisition plan should contain several key elements to be effective. Which of the following is an essential component of a skill acquisition plan?
- A list of potential punishers for incorrect responses.
- The personal opinions of the technician about the client's progress.
- A clear, objective, and measurable definition of the target skill. (Correct answer)
- A requirement for the skill to be mastered within a single session.
Correct answer: A clear, objective, and measurable definition of the target skill.
A well-designed skill acquisition plan must include a clear, objective, and measurable definition of the target skill. This ensures that everyone involved in the client's program can collect data consistently and agree on when the skill has been mastered.
