ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Test Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior Reduction Interventions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), reinforcement is delivered when:
- A specific alternative behavior replaces the target behavior
- The target behavior has not occurred during a specified time interval (Correct answer)
- A behavior physically incompatible with the target behavior occurs
- The rate of the target behavior drops below a predetermined criterion
Correct answer: The target behavior has not occurred during a specified time interval
DRO reinforces the absence of the target behavior during a set interval — no particular replacement behavior is required, only the non-occurrence of the problem behavior within that window.
Question 2: Non-contingent reinforcement (NCR) reduces problem behavior primarily by:
- Punishing the problem behavior each time it is emitted
- Delivering the maintaining reinforcer independent of the individual's behavior (Correct answer)
- Teaching a functionally equivalent communicative response
- Removing the discriminative stimulus that sets the occasion for problem behavior
Correct answer: Delivering the maintaining reinforcer independent of the individual's behavior
NCR delivers the reinforcer that maintains the problem behavior on a fixed-time or variable-time schedule regardless of what the individual does, which reduces the motivating operation and thereby the probability of the problem behavior.
Question 3: Positive practice overcorrection differs from restitution overcorrection in that positive practice requires the individual to:
- Restore the environment to a state better than before the problem behavior occurred
- Repeatedly practice the correct or appropriate form of the behavior contingent on the problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Remain in a designated area until a set period of time has elapsed
- Lose a specified quantity of previously earned reinforcers
Correct answer: Repeatedly practice the correct or appropriate form of the behavior contingent on the problem behavior
Positive practice overcorrection involves the repeated rehearsal of a correct behavior as a consequence of the problem behavior, whereas restitution requires the individual to repair the environmental damage caused by the behavior.
Question 4: Functional communication training (FCT) is considered a behavior reduction intervention because it:
- Extinguishes the problem behavior by withholding all reinforcement
- Teaches a communicative response that accesses the same reinforcer as the problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Reduces the rate of reinforcement available in the environment below baseline levels
- Pairs an aversive stimulus with the antecedents that trigger problem behavior
Correct answer: Teaches a communicative response that accesses the same reinforcer as the problem behavior
FCT replaces the problem behavior with an appropriate communicative response (e.g., asking for a break) that produces the same functional reinforcer, making the problem behavior unnecessary while keeping the individual's access to reinforcement intact.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes negative punishment as a behavior reduction procedure?
- Presenting an aversive stimulus immediately following the problem behavior
- Removing a preferred stimulus contingent on the occurrence of the problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Requiring the individual to engage in effortful corrective activity after the problem behavior
- Reducing the overall density of reinforcement available in the environment
Correct answer: Removing a preferred stimulus contingent on the occurrence of the problem behavior
Negative punishment involves the removal (hence 'negative') of a desired stimulus following a behavior, which decreases the future frequency of that behavior. Response cost and time-out from positive reinforcement are common examples.
Question 6: Manipulating an establishing operation (EO) before a session reduces problem behavior by:
- Increasing the value of the reinforcer that maintains the problem behavior
- Temporarily decreasing the value of the reinforcer that maintains the problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Delivering punishment contingent on each occurrence of the problem behavior
- Providing differential reinforcement at the end of each trial
Correct answer: Temporarily decreasing the value of the reinforcer that maintains the problem behavior
Providing pre-session access to the maintaining reinforcer (an abolishing operation) reduces its current reinforcing value, thereby decreasing the individual's motivation to engage in problem behavior to obtain it during the session.
