RBT Discrete Trial Training 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the basic components of a discrete trial?
- Antecedent, behavior, consequence, inter-trial interval (Correct answer)
- Question, answer, reward
- Prompt, response, break
- Instruction, test, feedback, break
Correct answer: Antecedent, behavior, consequence, inter-trial interval
A discrete trial consists of the antecedent (SD or instruction), the learner's behavior (response), the consequence (reinforcement or error correction), and an inter-trial interval (brief pause before the next trial). This structured format allows for repeated practice.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the inter-trial interval (ITI) in DTT?
- To give the instructor time to check their phone
- To provide a clear separation between trials so the learner can distinguish between successive learning opportunities (Correct answer)
- To punish incorrect responses
- To extend the session length
Correct answer: To provide a clear separation between trials so the learner can distinguish between successive learning opportunities
The ITI provides a clear break between trials, helping the learner distinguish one learning opportunity from the next. It also allows the instructor to prepare materials and data sheets for the next trial and prevents trial-to-trial confusion.
Question 3: During DTT, when should the RBT deliver reinforcement?
- At the end of the session
- Immediately after the learner gives a correct response (Correct answer)
- Before each trial
- Only after every fifth correct response
Correct answer: Immediately after the learner gives a correct response
Reinforcement should be delivered immediately after a correct response during DTT. Immediate reinforcement strengthens the connection between the correct response and the consequence, making the behavior more likely to occur again.
Question 4: In DTT, what does the term 'massed trials' refer to?
- Trials conducted with many learners at once
- Repeated presentations of the same target in consecutive trials (Correct answer)
- A single trial at the beginning of the session
- Trials conducted only during group activities
Correct answer: Repeated presentations of the same target in consecutive trials
Massed trials involve presenting the same target or SD repeatedly across consecutive trials. This concentrated practice helps the learner acquire a new skill quickly by providing many opportunities to practice the same response.
Question 5: What is the difference between massed and distributed (interspersed) trials?
- There is no difference
- Massed trials repeat the same target consecutively; distributed trials mix different targets within a set (Correct answer)
- Distributed trials are longer than massed trials
- Massed trials are harder than distributed trials
Correct answer: Massed trials repeat the same target consecutively; distributed trials mix different targets within a set
Massed trials present the same target repeatedly (e.g., 'touch red, touch red, touch red'), while distributed or interspersed trials mix the target with other known or unknown targets (e.g., 'touch red, touch blue, touch red, touch green').
Question 6: An RBT is running DTT and the learner gives an incorrect response. Following a most-to-least prompting procedure, what should happen next?
- End the trial and move on
- Implement the error correction procedure — typically re-present the SD with a prompt to ensure a correct response (Correct answer)
- Give the reinforcer anyway
- Skip to the next program
Correct answer: Implement the error correction procedure — typically re-present the SD with a prompt to ensure a correct response
After an incorrect response, the RBT should implement the error correction procedure specified in the program. This typically involves re-presenting the SD with a prompt at a level that ensures the learner responds correctly, then running a transfer trial.
RBT Discrete Trial Training 1
What are the basic components of a discrete trial?