RBT Behavior Reduction Test #3 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A functional behavior assessment (FBA) is used to:
- Determine a client's diagnosis
- Identify the function (maintaining reinforcer) of a problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Measure the duration of behavior across a week
- Assign the client to a specific treatment track
Correct answer: Identify the function (maintaining reinforcer) of a problem behavior
An FBA is a systematic process for identifying the antecedents, behaviors, and consequences that maintain a problem behavior. The identified function guides the selection of function-based interventions that are more effective than non-function-based approaches.
Question 2: Which schedule of reinforcement is used in a DRO procedure?
- Ratio schedule based on number of responses
- Interval schedule based on elapsed time without the problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Variable schedule based on unpredictable criteria
- Continuous reinforcement following each correct response
Correct answer: Interval schedule based on elapsed time without the problem behavior
DRO uses a time-based (interval) schedule — reinforcement is delivered if the problem behavior has not occurred during a preset time window. The interval length is typically set based on baseline data and is gradually lengthened as the behavior decreases.
Question 3: An RBT is implementing extinction for a behavior that has an aggressive extinction burst. The BEST course of action is to:
- Immediately stop the extinction procedure
- Provide reinforcement to calm the client
- Remain consistent with the procedure and ensure safety while contacting the BCBA (Correct answer)
- Increase the magnitude of punishment
Correct answer: Remain consistent with the procedure and ensure safety while contacting the BCBA
Maintaining consistency during an extinction burst is essential to the success of the procedure. The RBT should ensure everyone's safety, continue the intervention as specified, and communicate with the supervising BCBA about the escalation as soon as it is safe to do so.
Question 4: Which procedure combines extinction with reinforcement of appropriate behavior to most effectively reduce problem behavior?
- Overcorrection alone
- Extinction combined with DRA or FCT (Correct answer)
- Continuous reinforcement on a dense schedule
- Non-contingent punishment
Correct answer: Extinction combined with DRA or FCT
Combining extinction with differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior (DRA or FCT) produces the most effective and durable behavior reduction. Extinction removes reinforcement for the problem behavior while DRA/FCT provides a functional replacement path to reinforcement.
Question 5: Which type of punishment involves requiring a client to perform an effortful behavior contingent on problem behavior?
- Response cost
- Positive practice overcorrection (Correct answer)
- Restitutional overcorrection
- Time-out from reinforcement
Correct answer: Positive practice overcorrection
Positive practice overcorrection requires the client to repeatedly practice the appropriate behavior following the problem behavior, making it effortful and therefore aversive. Restitutional overcorrection, by contrast, requires the client to restore the environment to a better-than-original state.
Question 6: Why is it important to collect data on both the problem behavior AND the replacement behavior during intervention?
- Only the problem behavior data is clinically relevant
- To confirm that the replacement behavior is increasing as the problem behavior decreases (Correct answer)
- To satisfy insurance billing requirements
- To demonstrate that the RBT has been busy during the session
Correct answer: To confirm that the replacement behavior is increasing as the problem behavior decreases
Tracking the replacement behavior alongside the problem behavior provides a more complete picture of treatment effectiveness. If problem behavior decreases but the replacement behavior does not increase, the client may simply be suppressing behavior rather than acquiring a functional alternative.
RBT Behavior Reduction Test #3 2
A functional behavior assessment (FBA) is used to: