Behavior Reduction Strategies 1 Flashcards

Which differential reinforcement procedure involves providing reinforcement for a behavior that physically cannot occur simultaneously with the problem behavior?

Answer: Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior (DRI)

DRI specifically targets a behavior that is topographically incompatible with the problem behavior — they cannot occur at the same time. For example, reinforcing hands folded in lap is incompatible with hitting. DRO reinforces any absence of the behavior, and DRA reinforces any alternative without requiring physical incompatibility.

A client engages in tantrum behavior every time demands are placed, and the demands are typically removed when the behavior occurs. Which extinction procedure is indicated?

Answer: Escape extinction

When a behavior is maintained by negative reinforcement (escape from demands), escape extinction is used — the RBT continues presenting the demand despite the problem behavior, removing the negative reinforcement contingency. Planned ignoring addresses attention-maintained behavior, and tangible extinction addresses tangible-maintained behavior.

An RBT teaches a client to raise their hand when they want an item instead of grabbing. The grabbing behavior decreases as hand-raising is reinforced. Which behavior reduction strategy is being used?

Answer: DRA

DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative behavior) involves reinforcing a socially appropriate alternative behavior while withholding reinforcement for the problem behavior. Unlike DRI, the alternative behavior does not need to be physically incompatible — it simply serves the same function in a more acceptable way.

Which behavior reduction procedure involves removing a predetermined amount of a conditioned reinforcer (such as tokens) contingent on the occurrence of a problem behavior?

Answer: Response cost

Response cost is a form of negative punishment in which a specified quantity of a conditioned reinforcer is removed following the problem behavior, decreasing its future probability. Time-out involves removing access to reinforcement for a period, not subtracting tokens or points already earned.

Before implementing a behavior reduction plan, an RBT is told the BCBA conducted an FBA. What is the primary purpose of an FBA in the context of behavior reduction?

Answer: To identify the function (purpose) that maintains the problem behavior

An FBA identifies the environmental function — attention, escape, tangible, or automatic reinforcement — that maintains the problem behavior. This is critical because behavior reduction strategies must target the maintaining function to be effective; an intervention matched to the wrong function is unlikely to work.

An RBT is instructed to provide reinforcement only when the client has engaged in fewer than three instances of the target behavior during a 30-minute session. Which procedure is this?

Answer: DRL

DRL (Differential Reinforcement of Low rates of behavior) provides reinforcement when the problem behavior occurs at or below a criterion frequency, gradually reducing the acceptable rate over time until the behavior reaches a socially acceptable level or is eliminated. DRO requires zero occurrences; DRL allows a specified low number.