RBT Discrete Trial Training 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'distractor' in the context of DTT?
- Something that takes the learner's attention away from the task
- A non-target stimulus presented alongside the target stimulus to require discrimination (Correct answer)
- A type of reinforcer
- A prompt used to guide the learner
Correct answer: A non-target stimulus presented alongside the target stimulus to require discrimination
In DTT, distractors are non-target stimuli presented alongside the correct target stimulus (e.g., showing a picture of a dog and a car when asking 'point to the dog'). The learner must discriminate between the target and distractors to respond correctly.
Question 2: How should the RBT arrange the teaching environment for DTT?
- In a cluttered room with many distractions
- In a structured setting with minimal distractions, materials organized, and the learner positioned to attend to the instructor (Correct answer)
- In a noisy public setting
- Wherever is most convenient for the RBT
Correct answer: In a structured setting with minimal distractions, materials organized, and the learner positioned to attend to the instructor
DTT works best in a structured environment with minimal distractions. Materials should be organized and ready, and the learner should be positioned to attend to the instructor. This controlled setting allows for clear presentation of stimuli and efficient trial delivery.
Question 3: What is the purpose of rotating reinforcers during DTT sessions?
- To confuse the learner
- To prevent satiation and maintain the learner's motivation throughout the session (Correct answer)
- To test which reinforcers the learner dislikes
- To make the session more complicated
Correct answer: To prevent satiation and maintain the learner's motivation throughout the session
Rotating reinforcers prevents satiation (the learner getting tired of the same reinforcer) and maintains motivation. Using a variety of preferred items keeps the learner engaged and willing to work throughout the session.
Question 4: An RBT is teaching color identification using DTT. The field size is 3 (three color cards on the table). What does 'field size' mean?
- The size of the teaching table
- The number of stimulus choices presented to the learner on each trial (Correct answer)
- The number of correct answers
- The number of trials per session
Correct answer: The number of stimulus choices presented to the learner on each trial
Field size refers to the number of stimulus choices presented simultaneously during a trial. A field of 3 means three items are placed before the learner, and they must select the correct one. Increasing field size increases discrimination difficulty.
Question 5: What is the purpose of 'mixing' known and unknown targets during DTT?
- To confuse the learner
- To build confidence through known targets while practicing unknown ones, and to promote discrimination (Correct answer)
- To make the session longer
- To avoid having to teach new things
Correct answer: To build confidence through known targets while practicing unknown ones, and to promote discrimination
Mixing known (mastered) targets with unknown (acquisition) targets maintains motivation through frequent success, provides opportunities to maintain mastered skills, and promotes discrimination between different stimuli.
Question 6: During DTT, what does the term 'acquisition target' refer to?
- A target that has been mastered
- A new skill or response that the learner is currently being taught (Correct answer)
- A target that has been removed from programming
- A maintenance target
Correct answer: A new skill or response that the learner is currently being taught
An acquisition target is a skill or response that the learner is currently learning and has not yet mastered. It is in the active teaching phase and requires instructional support (prompts, error correction, and dense reinforcement).
RBT Discrete Trial Training 2
What is a 'distractor' in the context of DTT?