ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior Reduction Interventions Questions and Answers 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student engages in escape-maintained disruptive behavior during difficult tasks. Which intervention BEST addresses the function while also reducing the target behavior?
- DRO combined with response cost
- Functional communication training (FCT) teaching an appropriate break request (Correct answer)
- Exclusionary time-out
- Positive practice overcorrection
Correct 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.
Question 2: Behavioral momentum theory suggests that to weaken a problem behavior maintained by reinforcement, a practitioner should:
- Increase the pace of demands immediately before extinction
- Present high-probability requests before low-probability requests to build compliance (Correct answer)
- Reduce all reinforcement immediately prior to behavior reduction procedures
- Deliver punishment on a continuous schedule
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which ethical guideline from the BACB requires behavior analysts to use the LEAST restrictive effective intervention?
- The right to effective treatment
- The right to least restrictive treatment (Correct answer)
- Informed consent requirements
- Confidentiality standards
Correct 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.
Question 4: Resurgence of a previously extinguished behavior is MOST likely to occur when:
- A continuous reinforcement schedule is introduced for the replacement behavior
- Reinforcement for the replacement behavior is reduced or withdrawn (Correct answer)
- The extinction contingency is applied for a longer period of time
- Physical prompts are added to the behavior reduction plan
Correct answer: Reinforcement for the replacement behavior is reduced or withdrawn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.
Question 5: 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?
- It punishes problem behavior by removing attention
- It reduces the establishing operation by providing the reinforcer independent of behavior (Correct answer)
- It teaches a replacement behavior for attention-seeking
- It increases response effort required to obtain attention
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which of the following is a potential DISADVANTAGE of using verbal reprimands as a punishment procedure?
- Reprimands always function as positive reinforcement for attention-maintained behavior
- Verbal reprimands may inadvertently reinforce attention-seeking behavior if attention is the maintaining variable (Correct answer)
- Reprimands eliminate all forms of verbal interaction with the client
- Reprimands are only effective for escape-maintained behaviors
Correct 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.
Question 7: 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?
- A temporary increase in behavior rate at the start of the intervention followed by a downward trend
- A consistent downward trend in behavior rate across sessions
- No change in the behavior rate after several sessions of consistent implementation (Correct answer)
- A brief extinction burst followed by return to baseline frequency
Correct 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.
ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior Reduction Interventions Questions and Answers 5
A student engages in escape-maintained disruptive behavior during difficult tasks.
Which intervention BEST addresses the function while also reducing the target behavior?