- Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior Reduction Interventions Questions and Answers Flashcards

A student engages in escape-maintained disruptive behavior during difficult tasks. Which intervention BEST addresses the function while also reducing the target behavior?

Answer: Functional communication training (FCT) teaching an appropriate break request

FCT replaces escape-maintained behavior by teaching a functionally equivalent, socially acceptable response such as requesting a break.

Behavioral momentum theory suggests that to weaken a problem behavior maintained by reinforcement, a practitioner should:

Answer: Present high-probability requests before low-probability requests to build compliance

Behavioral momentum uses a sequence of high-probability ('easy') requests to build response momentum before introducing challenging or lower-probability demands.

Which ethical guideline from the BACB requires behavior analysts to use the LEAST restrictive effective intervention?

Answer: The right to least restrictive treatment

The right to least restrictive treatment obligates behavior analysts to select interventions that are effective while imposing the fewest restrictions on the client's freedom.

Resurgence of a previously extinguished behavior is MOST likely to occur when:

Answer: Reinforcement for the replacement behavior is reduced or withdrawn

Resurgence occurs when the alternative replacement behavior is placed on extinction or reinforcement is reduced, causing the original extinguished behavior to return.

A client engages in property destruction maintained by attention. The team uses noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) on a fixed-time schedule to address this behavior. What is the primary mechanism of NCR?

Answer: It reduces the establishing operation by providing the reinforcer independent of behavior

NCR reduces the motivating operation (establishing operation) for problem behavior by providing the maintaining reinforcer on a time-based schedule independent of behavior.

Which of the following is a potential DISADVANTAGE of using verbal reprimands as a punishment procedure?

Answer: Verbal reprimands may inadvertently reinforce attention-seeking behavior if attention is the maintaining variable

If a behavior is maintained by attention, a verbal reprimand delivers the very reinforcer sustaining the behavior, potentially strengthening rather than weakening it.

A behavior analyst is evaluating the effectiveness of a behavior reduction intervention. Which data pattern would indicate that the intervention is NOT working as intended?

Answer: No change in the behavior rate after several sessions of consistent implementation

No change in behavior rate after multiple sessions of consistent implementation suggests the intervention is not producing the desired suppressive effect and should be revised.