RBT RBT Task List 2nd Edition Measurement and Data 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During discrete trial training (DTT), the component that occurs between the learner's response and the next trial is called the:
- Intertrial interval (ITI) (Correct answer)
- Discriminative stimulus (SD)
- Consequence
- Prompt
Correct answer: Intertrial interval (ITI)
The intertrial interval (ITI) is the brief pause between the consequence of one trial and the SD of the next.
Discrete trial training (DTT) consists of five components: discriminative stimulus (SD), prompt (if needed), response, consequence, and intertrial interval (ITI). The ITI is a brief pause—typically 1–5 seconds—that separates the end of one trial from the beginning of the next. It helps the learner distinguish between individual trials and provides a moment for the instructor to record data.
Question 2: A therapist teaches a child to tie shoes by first reinforcing putting on the shoe, then reinforcing that step plus pulling the laces, continuing until the full chain is complete. This is:
- Backward chaining
- Total task chaining
- Forward chaining (Correct answer)
- Shaping
Correct answer: Forward chaining
Forward chaining teaches the first step first, adding subsequent steps in order until the full behavior chain is mastered.
In forward chaining, the learner is taught to perform the first step independently, with the instructor completing the remaining steps. Once the first step is mastered, the second step is added, and so on. Forward chaining is useful when the early steps of a chain are easier or when the client needs success experiences at the start of training.
Question 3: An RBT is teaching a student to request items using a picture exchange card. To reduce dependence on the instructor's physical presence, the RBT gradually increases the distance between the student and the PECS book. This exemplifies:
- Shaping
- Chaining
- Natural environment teaching (NET)
- Systematic prompt fading (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Systematic prompt fading
Systematic prompt fading involves gradually reducing the level of assistance provided to promote independent responding.
Prompt fading is the process of systematically reducing or eliminating prompts to transfer stimulus control to naturally occurring antecedents. Common prompt fading strategies include most-to-least (MTL), least-to-most (LTM), time delay, and graduated guidance. Ensuring that responses eventually occur without prompts (i.e., avoiding prompt dependency) is a key goal.
Question 4: Which differential reinforcement procedure involves reinforcing the absence of the target problem behavior during a specified interval?
- DRO (differential reinforcement of other behavior) (Correct answer)
- DRI (differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior)
- DRA (differential reinforcement of alternative behavior)
- DRL (differential reinforcement of lower rates)
Correct answer: DRO (differential reinforcement of other behavior)
DRO delivers reinforcement when the problem behavior does NOT occur during a defined interval.
In DRO, the client earns reinforcement if the target problem behavior does not occur during a specified interval. It does not require the client to perform any particular alternative behavior—simply the absence of the problem behavior is sufficient. DRO is effective for reducing behavior but does not directly teach a replacement behavior, which is a limitation compared to DRI or DRA.
Question 5: An antecedent intervention that makes a problem behavior irrelevant by providing noncontingent access to preferred items is called:
- Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) (Correct answer)
- Response blocking
- Extinction
- Punishment
Correct answer: Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR)
Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) provides reinforcers on a fixed- or variable-time schedule, independent of behavior, reducing the motivation to engage in problem behavior.
NCR is an antecedent intervention that delivers reinforcers on a time-based schedule (e.g., every 2 minutes), independent of the client's behavior. By providing frequent access to the maintaining reinforcer noncontingently, NCR reduces the establishing operation (motivation) for engaging in problem behavior. It is often used as part of a behavior intervention plan alongside other strategies.
Question 6: Shaping is best defined as:
- Reinforcing a behavior that is physically incompatible with the problem behavior
- Reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior (Correct answer)
- Delivering reinforcement after a fixed number of responses
- Providing prompts in a least-to-most hierarchy
Correct answer: Reinforcing successive approximations toward a target behavior
Shaping uses differential reinforcement of successive approximations to develop a new behavior or topography that does not yet exist in the learner's repertoire.
Shaping involves reinforcing behaviors that successively approximate the terminal (target) behavior while withholding reinforcement from behaviors that do not meet the current criterion. As the learner reliably performs one approximation, the criterion is raised to a closer approximation. Shaping is used when the target behavior is not in the learner's repertoire and cannot be easily prompted.
Question 7: Natural environment teaching (NET) differs from discrete trial training (DTT) in that NET:
- Always uses physical prompts
- Embeds learning opportunities within naturally occurring activities and the learner's motivation (Correct answer)
- Requires a structured table-top setting
- Uses a fixed number of trials per session
Correct answer: Embeds learning opportunities within naturally occurring activities and the learner's motivation
NET capitalizes on the learner's natural motivation and embeds learning within everyday activities, promoting generalization.
In NET, the instructor follows the learner's lead, using the learner's current interests and naturally occurring situations as teaching opportunities. This contrasts with DTT, which involves massed, structured trials in a controlled setting. NET promotes generalization and maintenance because skills are practiced in the contexts where they will naturally occur. Both approaches are commonly used in ABA programs, often in combination.
RBT RBT Task List 2nd Edition Measurement and Data 2
During discrete trial training (DTT), the component that occurs between the learner's response and the next trial is called the: