ABA ABA Principles & Terminology 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a functional behavior assessment (FBA)?
- To measure the topography of a behavior
- To identify variables that maintain a problem behavior (Correct answer)
- To select the most effective punishment procedure
- To create a baseline data chart
Correct answer: To identify variables that maintain a problem behavior
An FBA identifies the antecedents and consequences that maintain a problem behavior so that function-based interventions can be designed.
Question 2: A behavior that is reinforced by removing an aversive stimulus is maintained by:
- Positive reinforcement
- Negative reinforcement (Correct answer)
- Positive punishment
- Negative punishment
Correct answer: Negative reinforcement
Negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing or avoiding an aversive stimulus, strengthening the response that produced the removal.
Question 3: Which measurement dimension captures how long a single instance of a behavior lasts?
- Frequency
- Latency
- Duration (Correct answer)
- Inter-response time
Correct answer: Duration
Duration measures the length of time from the onset to the offset of a single behavioral episode.
Question 4: A student who previously bit when given math worksheets begins biting when given any worksheet. This illustrates:
- Stimulus discrimination
- Response generalization
- Stimulus generalization (Correct answer)
- Behavioral contrast
Correct answer: Stimulus generalization
Stimulus generalization occurs when a behavior trained under one stimulus condition also occurs in the presence of similar stimuli.
Question 5: The Premack Principle states that:
- High-probability behaviors can reinforce low-probability behaviors (Correct answer)
- Punishment reduces future behavior
- Continuous reinforcement builds the strongest habits
- Behavior occurs at the rate it was originally learned
Correct answer: High-probability behaviors can reinforce low-probability behaviors
The Premack Principle holds that access to a preferred (high-probability) activity can reinforce engagement in a less-preferred (low-probability) activity.
Question 6: In ABA, 'thinning' a reinforcement schedule means:
- Reducing the intensity of the reinforcer
- Gradually increasing the response requirement for reinforcement (Correct answer)
- Switching from primary to secondary reinforcers
- Delivering reinforcement on a time-based schedule
Correct answer: Gradually increasing the response requirement for reinforcement
Thinning involves gradually increasing the ratio or interval requirement so the learner works longer or more before receiving reinforcement.
Question 7: Which measurement system records whether a behavior occurred during any part of a brief interval?
- Whole-interval recording
- Momentary time sampling
- Partial-interval recording (Correct answer)
- Event recording
Correct answer: Partial-interval recording
Partial-interval recording scores an interval as positive if the behavior occurred at any point during that interval, which tends to overestimate behavior.
ABA ABA Principles & Terminology 3
What is the primary purpose of a functional behavior assessment (FBA)?