ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Antecedent-Based Interventions Questions and Answers

Question 1

An ABAT is working with a client who often becomes agitated and throws materials when presented with difficult academic tasks. To prevent this, the supervisor suggests offering the client a choice between two different tasks (e.g., 'Would you like to do the math worksheet or the spelling list first?'). This strategy is an example of which antecedent-based intervention?

Accepted Answer

Providing Choice

Answer

Providing choice is an antecedent-based intervention that gives the individual some control over their environment, which can reduce the motivation to engage in problem behavior. [13] By offering a choice before the task begins, the ABAT is proactively modifying the situation to prevent the agitation from occurring.

Question 2

A client has difficulty transitioning from a preferred activity (playing on a tablet) to a non-preferred activity (cleaning up). The ABAT creates a visual schedule with pictures showing 'Tablet Time' followed by 'Clean Up Toys.' What is the primary purpose of this antecedent-based intervention?

Accepted Answer

To increase predictability and clarify expectations about the upcoming transition.

Answer

Visual schedules are antecedent-based interventions that increase predictability and reduce anxiety around transitions. [10, 19] They visually show what is happening now and what will happen next, making the transition less surprising and helping the client understand expectations.

Question 3

Which of the following is the BEST example of a High-Probability (High-P) Request Sequence?

Accepted Answer

Asking a client to perform three easy, known tasks (e.g., 'Clap hands,' 'Touch your nose,' 'Stomp feet') in rapid succession before delivering a more difficult instruction (e.g., 'Put your coat on').

Answer

A High-Probability (High-P) Request Sequence, also known as behavioral momentum, involves presenting a series of easy-to-follow requests (high-p) to build momentum before presenting a request that the individual is less likely to follow (low-p). [17, 20, 25]

Question 4

Noncontingent Reinforcement (NCR) is an antecedent-based intervention that aims to reduce problem behavior by:

Accepted Answer

Providing access to a known reinforcer on a time-based schedule, regardless of the client's behavior.

Answer

Noncontingent Reinforcement (NCR) involves delivering reinforcement on a set time schedule (e.g., every 5 minutes) that is not dependent on the client's actions. [1, 2] This enriches the environment with the reinforcer, reducing the motivation for the client to engage in problem behavior to obtain it.

Question 5

A client frequently screams to get attention from the ABAT. A functional behavior assessment (FBA) confirms the function is attention. The supervising BCBA implements an intervention where the ABAT teaches the client to tap a picture of a person on their communication board to request attention. This antecedent-based intervention is known as:

Accepted Answer

Functional Communication Training (FCT)

Answer

Functional Communication Training (FCT) is an antecedent intervention where an individual is taught a new, more appropriate way to communicate their needs (the replacement behavior) to get the same reinforcement that the problem behavior previously provided. [7, 9, 15] In this case, using the communication board replaces screaming to get attention.

(ABAT) Applied Behavior Analysis Test Practice Test

(ABAT) Applied Behavior Analysis Test Practice Test

ABAT - Applied Behavior Analysis Antecedent-Based Interventions Questions and Answers