Reinforcement Principles and Schedules Flashcards
6 cards from real RBT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Reinforcement Principles and Schedules flashcards as text
What is the MOST important characteristic of an effective reinforcer?
Answer: It must actually increase the future frequency of the behavior it follows
A reinforcer is defined by its effect on behavior — a reinforcer is only a reinforcer if it increases the future probability of the behavior it follows. This functional definition is what distinguishes a reinforcer from a reward or a preferred item.
What is the effect of immediate versus delayed reinforcement on behavior acquisition?
Answer: Immediate reinforcement produces faster and stronger behavior acquisition than delayed reinforcement
Immediate reinforcement is more effective for behavior acquisition because it creates a clear, direct contingency between the behavior and the reinforcer. Delayed reinforcement weakens the association between the behavior and the consequence.
An RBT notices that a client no longer responds to the sticker that was previously used as a reinforcer. What phenomenon might explain this?
Answer: Satiation
Satiation occurs when a reinforcer loses its effectiveness because the individual has had too much access to it. When a client has received many stickers, additional stickers may no longer function as reinforcers.
What does a 'preference assessment' accomplish in the context of reinforcement selection?
Answer: It systematically identifies items or activities that the client prefers, which can then be tested as potential reinforcers
Preference assessments systematically identify preferred stimuli that may function as reinforcers. Common formats include single stimulus, paired stimulus, and multiple stimulus without replacement (MSWO) assessments.
An RBT is reinforcing a client's requests using verbal praise. After several sessions, they notice the client is requesting less frequently. What is the MOST likely explanation?
Answer: Verbal praise is not functioning as an effective reinforcer for this client
If a stimulus is being used as a reinforcer but the target behavior is not increasing (or is decreasing), the stimulus may not be functioning as an effective reinforcer for this individual. Alternative reinforcers should be assessed.
What is 'conditioned reinforcement,' and what is a common example used in ABA?
Answer: A neutral stimulus that has acquired reinforcing properties through pairing with an already effective reinforcer; token economies are a common example
A conditioned (secondary) reinforcer is a previously neutral stimulus that has become reinforcing through repeated pairing with an unconditioned or other established reinforcer. Token economies use tokens as conditioned reinforcers.