RBT Discrete Trial Teaching Methods 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During DTT, an RBT presents the same SD five times in a row with no variation. What problem does this repetition most likely cause?
- Stimulus overselectivity
- Rote responding without true skill acquisition (Correct answer)
- Extinction of the target behavior
- Increased inter-trial intervals
Correct answer: Rote responding without true skill acquisition
Presenting the exact same trial repeatedly can lead to rote responding, where the learner answers by pattern rather than by understanding the SD.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes a 'massed trial' format in DTT?
- Alternating the target skill with many different tasks
- Presenting multiple consecutive trials of the same SD-response sequence (Correct answer)
- Mixing target trials with maintenance trials randomly
- Presenting one trial per session across many sessions
Correct answer: Presenting multiple consecutive trials of the same SD-response sequence
Massed trials involve running many consecutive repetitions of the same SD and target response within a short period.
Question 3: An RBT is teaching a child to identify colors using DTT. After the child correctly labels 'red,' the RBT immediately says 'Good job!' and gives a token. This consequence is delivered within how many seconds to be most effective?
- Within 30 seconds
- Within 10 seconds
- Within 1–2 seconds (Correct answer)
- Within 5 seconds
Correct answer: Within 1–2 seconds
Reinforcement is most effective when delivered immediately (within 1–2 seconds) after the correct response to strengthen the behavior-consequence association.
Question 4: A learner consistently responds correctly only when the therapist's hand is near the correct picture card. This suggests the learner has developed a:
- Position prompt dependency
- Gestural prompt dependency
- Proximity prompt dependency (Correct answer)
- Visual prompt dependency
Correct answer: Proximity prompt dependency
Responding based on the therapist's physical proximity to the correct stimulus is a proximity prompt dependency, a form of prompt dependency.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the inter-trial interval (ITI) in DTT?
- To increase the difficulty of the SD
- To provide a brief pause allowing the learner to reset between trials (Correct answer)
- To deliver reinforcement during the trial
- To record data on the learner's response
Correct answer: To provide a brief pause allowing the learner to reset between trials
The ITI is a brief pause between discrete trials that allows the learner to disengage from the previous trial before the next SD is presented.
Question 6: During DTT, the RBT presents the SD 'Touch circle' and the learner touches the square. The RBT says 'No' and removes the materials. This procedure is an example of:
- Extinction
- Error correction (Correct answer)
- Punishment
- Response cost
Correct answer: Error correction
Removing materials and indicating an incorrect response is a standard error correction procedure used in DTT.
Question 7: Which component of a discrete trial immediately follows the learner's response?
- Discriminative stimulus (SD)
- Inter-trial interval
- Consequence (Correct answer)
- Prompt
Correct answer: Consequence
In a discrete trial, the consequence (reinforcement or error correction) is delivered immediately after the learner's response.
RBT Discrete Trial Teaching Methods 3
During DTT, an RBT presents the same SD five times in a row with no variation.
What problem does this repetition most likely cause?