RBT Behavior Reduction Strategies 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI) requires that the replacement behavior:
- Occurs only when the problem behavior is absent
- Cannot physically occur at the same time as the problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Serves the same function as the problem behavior
- Is performed at a lower rate than the problem behavior
Correct answer: Cannot physically occur at the same time as the problem behavior
DRI targets a replacement behavior that is physically incompatible with the problem behavior so both cannot occur simultaneously.
Question 2: Time-out from positive reinforcement is classified as which type of procedure?
- Positive punishment
- Negative punishment (Correct answer)
- Negative reinforcement
- Extinction
Correct answer: Negative punishment
Time-out removes access to positive reinforcers contingent on behavior, which classifies it as negative punishment.
Question 3: A behavior plan calls for withholding all social attention when a client whines. After two weeks, whining has increased. The RBT should:
- Continue the extinction plan, as this is likely an extinction burst (Correct answer)
- Immediately discontinue the plan due to lack of progress
- Add a punishment procedure to suppress whining faster
- Switch to a DRO schedule without consulting the supervisor
Correct answer: Continue the extinction plan, as this is likely an extinction burst
An increase in behavior during extinction is a common extinction burst and does not necessarily indicate the plan is ineffective.
Question 4: Which of the following is an antecedent-based strategy for reducing problem behavior?
- Withholding reinforcement after problem behavior
- Modifying the environment to prevent problem behavior from occurring (Correct answer)
- Providing a preferred item after a replacement behavior
- Applying a corrective consequence after each problem behavior
Correct answer: Modifying the environment to prevent problem behavior from occurring
Antecedent interventions modify conditions before behavior occurs to reduce the likelihood of problem behavior.
Question 5: Spontaneous recovery in extinction refers to:
- The client independently learning the replacement behavior
- A previously extinguished behavior reappearing after a period of time (Correct answer)
- Rapid behavior reduction following the introduction of punishment
- The client recovering emotionally after a difficult session
Correct answer: A previously extinguished behavior reappearing after a period of time
Spontaneous recovery occurs when an extinguished behavior reappears temporarily after a pause, even without new reinforcement.
Question 6: Response cost is BEST defined as:
- Removing access to the environment for a brief period after problem behavior
- Removing a specified amount of a conditioned reinforcer contingent on problem behavior (Correct answer)
- Adding a mildly aversive stimulus after problem behavior occurs
- Blocking a response before it can be completed
Correct answer: Removing a specified amount of a conditioned reinforcer contingent on problem behavior
Response cost involves taking away a set quantity of tokens or points following a target behavior, functioning as negative punishment.
Question 7: During a behavior reduction program using DRL (Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates), reinforcement is delivered when:
- The target behavior has not occurred at all during the interval
- The behavior occurs at or below a pre-set criterion rate (Correct answer)
- A behavior incompatible with the target behavior is performed
- The replacement behavior exceeds the target behavior in frequency
Correct answer: The behavior occurs at or below a pre-set criterion rate
DRL reinforces the behavior only when it occurs at or below a predetermined lower rate, gradually reducing the overall frequency.
RBT Behavior Reduction Strategies 4
Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI) requires that the replacement behavior: