RBT Study Guide 2026

Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior (DRO) is a time-based procedure where reinforcement is delivered when the target problem behavior has *not* occurred for a specified interval of time. If the behavior occurs during the interval, the timer is reset. This procedure aims to decrease a target behavior by reinforcing its absence over a set period.

Negative reinforcement increases a behavior by removing an aversive stimulus following the behavior.

In a paired choice preference assessment, the goal is to identify a single preferred item between two options. If a client attempts to take both items, the RBT should block access to prevent this and then remove both items. The trial should then be recreated with the identical items to ensure a clear choice is made, maintaining the integrity of the assessment.

Incidental teaching begins with environmental arrangement to create motivating conditions (e.g., placing a desired item out of reach) that prompt the learner to initiate communication naturally.

Position bias occurs when a client responds based on the position of items in the array rather than to the discriminative stimulus (the color name). This indicates a failure of appropriate stimulus control.

The BACB's RBT Handbook specifies that RBTs must be supervised for at least 5% of the hours they provide behavior-analytic services per month. This supervision must include at least two face-to-face contacts per month. These meetings are crucial for discussing client progress, addressing challenges, receiving feedback, and ensuring the RBT is implementing protocols correctly and ethically.