ABA Behavior Reduction and Ethics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) as a behavior reduction procedure works by:
- Delivering the reinforcer on a fixed time schedule regardless of the target behavior (Correct answer)
- Providing reinforcement only after the problem behavior occurs
- Removing all reinforcement from the environment
- Delivering reinforcement contingent on an alternative behavior
Correct answer: Delivering the reinforcer on a fixed time schedule regardless of the target behavior
NCR delivers the reinforcer on a time-based schedule independent of the target behavior, which reduces the motivating operation for engaging in that behavior.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of response blocking?
- A therapist physically prevents a child from hitting by intercepting their arm (Correct answer)
- Providing a preferred item contingent on sitting quietly
- Ignoring a child's tantrum behavior
- Redirecting a child to an alternative activity verbally
Correct answer: A therapist physically prevents a child from hitting by intercepting their arm
Response blocking physically prevents the completion of a target behavior without applying contingent aversive stimulation, making it a protective procedure rather than a punisher.
Question 3: The BACB prohibits behavior analysts from engaging in which of the following?
- Dual relationships that might impair professional judgment or harm clients (Correct answer)
- Using reinforcement-based procedures without a behavior intervention plan
- Conducting preference assessments without parental consent
- Writing behavioral goals without baseline data
Correct answer: Dual relationships that might impair professional judgment or harm clients
BACB ethics code prohibits multiple relationships (dual roles) with clients because they can compromise objectivity, lead to exploitation, and harm client welfare.
Question 4: Which schedule of reinforcement produces a high and steady rate of responding that is MOST resistant to extinction?
- Variable ratio (Correct answer)
- Fixed ratio
- Fixed interval
- Variable interval
Correct answer: Variable ratio
Variable ratio schedules produce high, steady response rates and the greatest resistance to extinction because the reinforcer is unpredictable in terms of number of responses required.
Question 5: A behavior that is maintained by automatic (sensory) reinforcement is MOST difficult to treat because:
- The reinforcer is intrinsic and cannot always be identified or withheld (Correct answer)
- The behavior always requires physical restraint to manage
- Function-based interventions cannot be used for sensory behaviors
- The behavior is always in the learner's repertoire regardless of environment
Correct answer: The reinforcer is intrinsic and cannot always be identified or withheld
Automatically reinforced behavior produces its own sensory consequence, making it challenging to withhold the reinforcer and implement standard extinction procedures.
Question 6: Which of the following is the MOST appropriate first step when problem behavior suddenly increases?
- Conduct an ABC analysis to identify antecedents and consequences (Correct answer)
- Immediately implement a more restrictive intervention
- Increase the density of reinforcement across all behaviors
- Contact medical personnel before assessing behavior
Correct answer: Conduct an ABC analysis to identify antecedents and consequences
A sudden increase in problem behavior warrants collecting ABC data to identify potential environmental changes in antecedents and consequences before modifying the intervention.
ABA Behavior Reduction and Ethics 2
Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) as a behavior reduction procedure works by: