ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Autism Core Knowledge Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A child with autism repeatedly lines up toys in a specific order and becomes distressed when this routine is disrupted. In ABA terms, this behavior is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Restricted and repetitive behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement

Answer

Repetitive, ritualistic behaviors in autism are typically maintained by automatic (sensory) reinforcement, meaning they are self-reinforcing regardless of social consequences.

Question 2

During naturalistic teaching with a child with autism, an instructor uses the child's interest in trains to teach color labeling. This strategy is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Incidental teaching

Answer

Incidental teaching embeds skill instruction within naturally occurring, child-led activities or interests in the natural environment.

Question 3

A behavior analyst is working to reduce a child's self-injurious behavior (SIB). Before implementing any intervention, the FIRST step should be:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a functional behavior assessment (FBA)

Answer

A functional behavior assessment must be conducted first to identify the variables maintaining SIB before designing a function-based intervention.

Question 4

Which reinforcement schedule produces the HIGHEST and most consistent rate of responding and is most resistant to extinction?

Accepted Answer

Variable ratio (VR)

Answer

Variable ratio schedules produce the highest, most steady response rates and the greatest resistance to extinction because reinforcement is unpredictable.

Question 5

An ABA therapist uses a prompt hierarchy moving from most-to-least intrusive prompts. Which sequence correctly represents this hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Physical → model → verbal → gesture

Answer

Most-to-least prompt hierarchy starts with the most intrusive (physical) and systematically fades to less intrusive prompts (model, verbal, gesture) as the learner gains independence.

(ABAT) Applied Behavior Analysis Test Practice Test

(ABAT) Applied Behavior Analysis Test Practice Test

ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Autism Core Knowledge Questions and Answers 3