ABAT Reinforcement Systems and Token Economies Flashcards
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Read the first 7 ABAT Reinforcement Systems and Token Economies flashcards as text
A client's problem behavior is maintained by escape from demands. A practitioner implements DRI by reinforcing the client for requesting a break appropriately. This is BEST described as:
Answer: Functional communication training using negative reinforcement
Because the original behavior was escape-maintained, reinforcing the alternative communicative response (asking for a break) involves negative reinforcement — removing the demand contingent on the appropriate request.
In a group token economy, a practitioner uses an interdependent group contingency where the whole class earns a pizza party if the class average reaches 90% accuracy. This arrangement BEST addresses:
Answer: Peer-mediated support for shared behavioral goals
Interdependent group contingencies leverage peer influence — group members are motivated to support each other to reach the shared criterion.
A behavior analyst graphs a learner's token earnings over 10 sessions and notices a decreasing trend despite no changes to the token economy rules. The MOST appropriate first step is to:
Answer: Conduct a functional behavior assessment to identify possible behavioral changes
A declining trend without procedural changes warrants a functional assessment to determine whether environmental, motivational, or behavioral variables have shifted.
Which of the following is an advantage of using a generalized conditioned reinforcer (like tokens) over using primary reinforcers directly?
Answer: Tokens do not satiate as quickly because they are paired with multiple backup reinforcers
Because tokens can be exchanged for many different backup reinforcers, the learner is less likely to satiate on any single reinforcer, maintaining the token's effectiveness.
Response cost is MOST appropriately used in a token economy when:
Answer: A specific behavior needs to be reduced and token removal is the consequence
Response cost involves removing a specified number of tokens contingent on a target behavior, functioning as negative punishment to decrease that behavior.
A practitioner wants to fade a token economy for a learner who has met behavioral goals. The RECOMMENDED fading sequence is to:
Answer: Gradually thin the reinforcement schedule and increase the exchange interval before removing tokens
Gradually thinning the schedule and extending exchange intervals allows behavior to come under the control of more naturally occurring reinforcers without an extinction burst.
A learner earns tokens on a variable ratio 5 (VR-5) schedule. Compared to a fixed ratio 5 (FR-5) schedule, VR-5 will produce:
Answer: More consistent responding with fewer pauses
Variable ratio schedules produce steady, high rates of responding without the predictable post-reinforcement pause seen with fixed ratio schedules.