RBT Behavior Reduction Test #4 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a problem behavior increases in one setting because it is being extinguished in another, this is called:
- Spontaneous recovery
- Generalization
- Behavioral contrast (Correct answer)
- Extinction burst
Correct answer: Behavioral contrast
Behavioral contrast occurs when decreasing a behavior in one setting leads to an increase in the same behavior in another setting where extinction is not in place. It highlights the need to implement behavior intervention consistently across all relevant environments.
Question 2: Which dimension of punishment must be considered to ensure client rights are protected?
- The speed of the punisher delivery
- Whether the punishment is the least restrictive effective option (Correct answer)
- Whether the client has a history of the punishment being used before
- The RBT's comfort level with the procedure
Correct answer: Whether the punishment is the least restrictive effective option
Ethical practice and BACB guidelines require that more restrictive interventions, including punishment, be used only when less restrictive alternatives have been tried and failed. Least restrictive practice protects client dignity and autonomy.
Question 3: When implementing DRO, what should happen if the problem behavior occurs during the interval?
- Deliver reinforcement anyway to avoid frustration
- Reset the interval timer and withhold reinforcement for that interval (Correct answer)
- Shorten the interval permanently
- Switch to a DRI procedure immediately
Correct answer: Reset the interval timer and withhold reinforcement for that interval
When the target behavior occurs during a DRO interval, the interval is reset and reinforcement is withheld for that interval. This ensures that reinforcement is only delivered contingent on the absence of the problem behavior for the full interval duration.
Question 4: A client's self-injurious behavior is maintained by automatic reinforcement. Which of the following is a reasonable starting intervention?
- Planned ignoring
- Sensory extinction or providing alternative sensory stimulation (Correct answer)
- Extinction via escape prevention
- Non-contingent attention
Correct answer: Sensory extinction or providing alternative sensory stimulation
For automatically maintained SIB, interventions target the sensory consequence. Sensory extinction aims to mask the sensory feedback, while providing alternative sensory stimulation can compete with the reinforcement from the SIB. Both strategies should be developed with BCBA supervision.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the role of an RBT in a functional analysis (FA)?
- RBTs independently design and conduct FAs
- RBTs implement FA conditions as directed by the BCBA and collect data accurately (Correct answer)
- RBTs observe but never interact during an FA
- RBTs conduct FAs only in school settings
Correct answer: RBTs implement FA conditions as directed by the BCBA and collect data accurately
Functional analyses involve manipulating environmental conditions to test hypotheses about behavior function. RBTs may be asked to run FA conditions under direct BCBA supervision, following precise instructions and collecting reliable data throughout the process.
Question 6: Which statement about punishment is accurate according to ABA principles?
- Punishment should always be the first intervention tried
- Punishment increases the future frequency of behavior
- Punishment must be combined with reinforcement of alternative behavior for best outcomes (Correct answer)
- Punishment is only ethical when implemented without supervision
Correct answer: Punishment must be combined with reinforcement of alternative behavior for best outcomes
Punishment suppresses behavior but does not teach the client what to do instead. Pairing punishment with reinforcement of appropriate alternative behavior produces more complete and lasting behavior change while also providing the client with an acceptable way to meet their needs.
RBT Behavior Reduction Test #4 3
When a problem behavior increases in one setting because it is being extinguished in another, this is called: