BCAT Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Fundamentals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'shaping' in Applied Behavior Analysis?
- Immediately reinforcing the final target behavior only
- Reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior (Correct answer)
- Using physical guidance to produce a behavior
- Presenting a model for the learner to imitate
Correct answer: Reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior
Shaping involves reinforcing behaviors that progressively resemble the target behavior, gradually raising the criteria until the full target behavior is achieved.
Question 2: Which reinforcement schedule typically produces the highest and most stable rate of responding?
- Fixed ratio
- Fixed interval
- Variable ratio (Correct answer)
- Variable interval
Correct answer: Variable ratio
Variable ratio schedules deliver reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, producing high, steady response rates that are most resistant to extinction.
Question 3: What is a token economy?
- A system where learners earn money for completing tasks
- A conditioned reinforcement system where tokens are exchanged for backup reinforcers (Correct answer)
- A schedule of reinforcement based on time intervals
- A data collection method using tally marks
Correct answer: A conditioned reinforcement system where tokens are exchanged for backup reinforcers
A token economy is a behavior change system in which tokens are earned as conditioned reinforcers for target behaviors and later exchanged for preferred backup reinforcers.
Question 4: What does the Premack Principle state?
- High-frequency behaviors can be used to reinforce low-frequency behaviors (Correct answer)
- Punishment reduces behavior more effectively than reinforcement
- Behaviors learned first are most resistant to extinction
- Reinforcement must be delivered immediately to be effective
Correct answer: High-frequency behaviors can be used to reinforce low-frequency behaviors
The Premack Principle states that access to a preferred (high-frequency) activity can serve as a reinforcer for a less preferred (low-frequency) behavior.
Question 5: In ABA, what is 'generalization'?
- Applying a behavior learned in one setting to new settings, people, or stimuli (Correct answer)
- Increasing the rate of a behavior through continuous reinforcement
- Breaking a complex skill into smaller teachable steps
- Reducing a behavior by delivering an aversive consequence
Correct answer: Applying a behavior learned in one setting to new settings, people, or stimuli
Generalization occurs when a learned behavior transfers to untrained stimuli, settings, or people, which is a key goal of effective ABA intervention.
Question 6: Which type of prompt involves the technician physically guiding the learner through a behavior?
- Verbal prompt
- Gestural prompt
- Model prompt
- Physical prompt (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Physical prompt
A physical prompt involves hand-over-hand or other physical contact to guide the learner through the correct response, and should be faded as quickly as possible.
Question 7: What is 'prompt fading' in ABA?
- Gradually removing prompts over time so the learner responds independently (Correct answer)
- Adding more prompts when a learner makes errors
- Using only verbal prompts for all learners
- Increasing reinforcement as prompts are added
Correct answer: Gradually removing prompts over time so the learner responds independently
Prompt fading is the systematic reduction of prompts over time to transfer stimulus control to natural cues and promote independent responding.
BCAT Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Fundamentals 2
What is 'shaping' in Applied Behavior Analysis?