RBT Behavior Reduction Strategies 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A high-probability (high-p) request sequence reduces problem behavior by:
- Increasing the aversiveness of low-probability demands
- Building behavioral momentum with easy tasks before presenting difficult ones (Correct answer)
- Removing all demands until the client is calm
- Reinforcing compliance with a fixed-ratio schedule
Correct answer: Building behavioral momentum with easy tasks before presenting difficult ones
High-p sequences present several easy, already-complied-with requests to build momentum before introducing a low-probability demand.
Question 2: When implementing extinction for attention-maintained behavior, the RBT should:
- Provide brief attention after each instance to gradually reduce behavior
- Withhold all social attention contingent on the target behavior (Correct answer)
- Redirect the client to a preferred activity following each instance
- Deliver a reprimand to replace the attention the client was seeking
Correct answer: Withhold all social attention contingent on the target behavior
For attention-maintained behavior, extinction requires that no social attention (including reprimands) be delivered contingent on the problem behavior.
Question 3: Which of the following represents an ethical concern when implementing punishment procedures?
- Monitoring the client's behavior data across sessions
- Using the least restrictive effective procedure available
- Applying a punishment procedure without documented parental consent (Correct answer)
- Reporting behavior changes to the supervising BCBA
Correct answer: Applying a punishment procedure without documented parental consent
Punishment procedures require documented informed consent from caregivers and must be approved in the behavior intervention plan.
Question 4: A client engages in escape-maintained aggression. Which behavior reduction strategy directly addresses the function?
- Restraint following each aggressive incident
- Response cost removing tokens after aggression
- Extinction by continuing the task despite aggression (Correct answer)
- Providing frequent breaks unrelated to behavior as NCR
Correct answer: Extinction by continuing the task despite aggression
For escape-maintained aggression, extinction means not removing or modifying the task demand when aggression occurs.
Question 5: Which is the CORRECT order for selecting behavior reduction strategies, from least to most restrictive?
- Punishment → extinction → differential reinforcement → antecedent modification
- Antecedent modification → differential reinforcement → extinction → punishment (Correct answer)
- Extinction → antecedent modification → punishment → differential reinforcement
- Differential reinforcement → punishment → extinction → antecedent modification
Correct answer: Antecedent modification → differential reinforcement → extinction → punishment
Ethical practice requires starting with the least restrictive option — antecedent strategies — before escalating to punishment.
Question 6: If a behavior reduction plan is not producing the expected results, the RBT should FIRST:
- Modify the reinforcement schedule independently to improve outcomes
- Add a punishment component to accelerate behavior reduction
- Collect accurate data and report the lack of progress to the BCBA (Correct answer)
- Discontinue the plan and try a different strategy
Correct answer: Collect accurate data and report the lack of progress to the BCBA
RBTs must collect and report accurate data to the supervising BCBA, who is responsible for modifying the behavior intervention plan.
Question 7: Planned ignoring is most appropriate for behavior maintained by:
- Automatic reinforcement (sensory stimulation)
- Escape from demands
- Access to tangible items
- Social attention (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Social attention
Planned ignoring (withholding attention) functions as extinction only when social attention is the maintaining reinforcer.
RBT Behavior Reduction Strategies 5
A high-probability (high-p) request sequence reduces problem behavior by: