RBT Discrete Trial Teaching Methods 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An RBT notices that a learner always selects the picture on the far right, regardless of which picture is correct. To address this, the RBT should:
- Use only two choices instead of four
- Randomize the position of stimuli across trials (Correct answer)
- Increase reinforcement for correct responses
- Simplify the SD
Correct answer: Randomize the position of stimuli across trials
Position bias can be corrected by systematically varying the spatial placement of stimuli so the learner cannot rely on position as a cue.
Question 2: Which data collection method is most commonly used during DTT to track accuracy across trials?
- Duration recording
- Frequency recording
- Trial-by-trial data (Correct answer)
- Interval recording
Correct answer: Trial-by-trial data
Trial-by-trial data (recording + or – for each trial) is the standard DTT data method, giving a precise accuracy percentage per session.
Question 3: A learner has mastered labeling objects at the therapy table but cannot name the same objects at home or school. This indicates a lack of:
- Response fluency
- Generalization (Correct answer)
- Maintenance
- Stimulus control
Correct answer: Generalization
Generalization occurs when a learned skill transfers to new settings, people, or materials; failure to do so means generalization has not been achieved.
Question 4: When using a least-to-most prompt hierarchy in DTT, the RBT should:
- Begin with the most intrusive prompt and fade to no prompt
- Provide the most helpful prompt on the first trial of every session
- Begin with the least intrusive prompt and increase support only if the learner does not respond (Correct answer)
- Skip prompts altogether until the learner makes an error
Correct answer: Begin with the least intrusive prompt and increase support only if the learner does not respond
Least-to-most prompting starts with minimal assistance and increases the level of support only when the learner fails to respond correctly.
Question 5: Which of the following best illustrates an incorrect use of reinforcement during DTT?
- Praising the learner immediately after a correct response
- Providing a preferred item after a prompted correct response
- Giving a snack after an incorrect response to avoid frustration (Correct answer)
- Using a conditioned reinforcer after the learner touches the correct card
Correct answer: Giving a snack after an incorrect response to avoid frustration
Providing reinforcement after an incorrect response can inadvertently reinforce error responding and undermine the learning objective.
Question 6: In DTT, 'errorless teaching' refers to a strategy where:
- No reinforcement is provided during error correction
- Prompts are used proactively to prevent incorrect responses from occurring (Correct answer)
- The learner is allowed unlimited time to respond
- Only easy SDs are presented to avoid errors
Correct answer: Prompts are used proactively to prevent incorrect responses from occurring
Errorless teaching uses immediate, sufficient prompts from the very first trial to ensure the learner always responds correctly, preventing error patterns.
Question 7: After mastery of a skill, an RBT continues to run occasional trials to check that the skill is retained over time. This practice is called:
- Generalization probing
- Maintenance probing (Correct answer)
- Skill acquisition
- Booster sessions
Correct answer: Maintenance probing
Maintenance probing involves periodically testing previously mastered skills to confirm the learner retains them without ongoing instruction.
RBT Discrete Trial Teaching Methods 5
An RBT notices that a learner always selects the picture on the far right, regardless of which picture is correct.
To address this, the RBT should: