CBC CBC Program Design & Implementation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which reinforcement schedule produces the highest rate of responding and greatest resistance to extinction?
- Fixed ratio schedule
- Variable ratio schedule (Correct answer)
- Fixed interval schedule
- Variable interval schedule
Correct answer: Variable ratio schedule
Variable ratio schedules deliver reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, producing steady high rates and strong resistance to extinction.
Question 2: A consultant uses a 'most-to-least' prompting hierarchy. What is the defining feature of this approach?
- Beginning with the least intrusive prompt and increasing support as needed
- Beginning with the most intrusive prompt and systematically fading assistance (Correct answer)
- Providing no prompts until the client makes an error
- Using only gestural prompts throughout training
Correct answer: Beginning with the most intrusive prompt and systematically fading assistance
Most-to-least prompting starts with maximum assistance to ensure success and then gradually reduces prompt intensity as the client gains independence.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of conducting a preference assessment before implementing a behavior support plan?
- To identify potential reinforcers that can motivate behavior change (Correct answer)
- To determine which behaviors should be included in the task analysis
- To establish the baseline frequency of the target behavior
- To calculate the interobserver agreement between team members
Correct answer: To identify potential reinforcers that can motivate behavior change
Preference assessments identify items or activities the individual finds desirable, which can then be used as effective reinforcers within the intervention.
Question 4: A behavior plan includes 'antecedent modifications.' Which of the following is an example of this strategy?
- Withholding reinforcement after problem behavior
- Rearranging the physical environment to reduce triggers for problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Teaching a replacement behavior using discrete trial training
- Applying an extinction procedure following self-injurious behavior
Correct answer: Rearranging the physical environment to reduce triggers for problem behavior
Antecedent modifications involve changing the conditions before behavior occurs to reduce the likelihood of problem behavior being triggered.
Question 5: When fading a reinforcement schedule, a consultant shifts from continuous reinforcement (CRF) to an intermittent schedule. Why is this important?
- Continuous reinforcement is more costly than intermittent schedules
- Intermittent schedules promote maintenance and resistance to extinction in natural environments (Correct answer)
- Continuous reinforcement increases variability in responding
- Natural environments typically deliver reinforcement on CRF
Correct answer: Intermittent schedules promote maintenance and resistance to extinction in natural environments
Thinning to an intermittent schedule mirrors real-world reinforcement patterns and helps the behavior persist when reinforcement is not always available.
Question 6: A behavior consultant includes 'crisis safety procedures' in a comprehensive behavior support plan. What should these procedures primarily focus on?
- Eliminating all reinforcement during a crisis episode
- Ensuring physical safety and de-escalation while minimizing restrictive measures (Correct answer)
- Documenting the behavior topography in real time
- Increasing task demands to reduce escape-motivated behavior
Correct answer: Ensuring physical safety and de-escalation while minimizing restrictive measures
Crisis procedures should prioritize the safety of the individual and others, using the least restrictive approaches to de-escalate dangerous situations.
CBC CBC Program Design & Implementation 2
Which reinforcement schedule produces the highest rate of responding and greatest resistance to extinction?