click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
RBT EXAM 2026 PART D
RBT EXAM 2026 PART D - Behavior Reduction
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Functions of Behavior List (4) Four Common Functions of a Behavior | (1) Attention (Social Interaction), (2) Escape/Avoidance (Delay or Remove Tasks), (3) Tangible/Activity (Access to Items or Activities), and (4) Automatic/Sensory (Feel Good/Internal Stimulation). |
| Functions of Behavior Determining a Behavior's Function | The consequence that maintains the behavior- not the behavior's appearance. The same behavior can serve different functions depending on what follows it. |
| Functions of Behavior Attention (Example) | When parents speak with others, a child screams, and then parents turn to them. The child's screaming is followed by attention. |
| Functions of Behavior Escape/Avoidance (Example) | When math starts, a learner puts his head down, so the task is paused. The learner's head-down is followed by a break. |
| Functions of Behavior Tangible/Activity (Example) | Terry is grabbing for the tablet, which results in getting the tablet. Terry's grabbing is followed by the item. |
| Functions of Behavior Automatic/Sensory (Example) | Hand-flapping occurs alone and continue even without any social interactions. |
| Functions of Behavior: Common Pitfalls | Guessing function from your gut without proper identification. |
| Function of Behavior: Exam Tips: Correctly Identifying the Function of Behavior | Focus on the consequence that follows the behavior, not the behavior itself. The same topography can serve different function depending on what the learner gains or avoids. |
| Function of Behavior: Exam Tips: Correctly Identifying the Function of Behavior (Example) | Emma hits Anna -> Anna responds -> function = Attention Emma hits peer -> teacher gives bubble machine -> Function = tangible. Same behavior different consequence = different functions. |
| Antecedent Interventions Antecedent Interventions (Definition) | Strategies that make appropriate behavior easier before problems start by adjusting the environment or instruction. |
| Antecedent Interventions List (3) Three Section Outline | (1) Noncontingent Reinforcement (NCR), and (2) High-Probability Request Sequence (high-p), (3) Demand Fading |
| Antecedent Interventions Noncontingent Reinforcement (NCR) (Defiition) | Deliver the reinforcer on a time-based schedule regardless of behavior. Reduces motivation to use problem behavior to access the reinforcer. |
| Antecedent Interventions Noncontingent Reinforcement (NCR) (Example) | A student screams for attention. Provide brief attention every 2 minutes on a timer. Frequent attention reduces the need to scream. |
| Antecedent Interventions High-Probability Request Sequence (high-p) (Definition) | Give several easy requests the learner will follow before presenting a harder task to build compliance momentum. |
| Antecedent Interventions High Probability Request Sequence (high-p) (Example) | "Touch your nose, clap, stand up." Then present the harder task: "Open your math book." |
| Antecedent Interventions Demand Fading (Definition) | Start with a small, manageable task and gradually increase difficult as the learner succeeds. |
| Antecedent Interventions Demand Fading (Example) | If the student finishes 1 math problem, you provide a reinforcer. Next, reinforce 3 problems, 5 problems, and so on. Always rewarding cooperation at each step. |
| Antecedent Intervention: Exam Tips Difference Among Core Interventions | Noncontingent Reinforcement = Time-based High Probability Request Sequence (High-P) = easy-easy-hard Fading = stepwise increases. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement Differential Reinforcement (Definition) | Increases the appropriate behavior by changing behavior by changing what and when gets reinforced. Provide reinforcement for specific good behavior based on clear criteria and timing and withhold reinforcement for the problem behavior when needed. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement Differential Reinforcement Other Behavior (DRO) (Definition) | Deliver reinforcement if the problem behavior does not occur during a set time window, If behaviors happen, reset the timer. Start with short, achievable intervals so the learner experiences success quickly, then increase the interval as progress holds. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement Differential Reinforcement Other Behavior (DRO) (Example) | A learner shouts out in class. You set a 2-minute DRO. If the learner remains quiet for 2 minutes, you provide praise and a token. If the learner shouts at 1 minute 30 seconds, you reset the timer of 2 minutes and process. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement Differential Reinforcement Alternative (DRA) (Definition) | Reinforce an acceptable alternative that functions the same as the problem behavior. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement Differential Reinforcement Alternative (DRA) (Example) | A learner grabs the tablet without asking. You stop the learner and heavily reinforce, "tablet, please," or pointing to the tablet. This means grabbing no longer works for getting the tablet, but a polite request does. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement Differential Reinforcement Low Rates (DRL) (Defintion) | The behavior is acceptable but can be problematic when it happens too often. Such as hand-raising, requesting, jokes ,etc. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement Not Use when Differential Reinforcement Low Rates (DRL) | Dangerous behaviors or anything that must drop to zero. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement What are (2) Two Common Formats of Differential Reinforcement Low Rates (DRL) | (1) Full-Session DRL and (2) IRT (Space responding) DRL |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement Full-Session DRL (Definition) | Set a maximum total for the target behavior across the period of time. If the total count, stays at or below a set number, the learner earns the reinforcement. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement Full-Session DRL (Example) | The learner raises hands too much, and you'd like to reduce the rate. Reinforce the learner if hand-raising is less than 3 times per 10 minutes. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement IRT (spaced-responding) DRL (Definiton) | Set a minimum amount of time between two responses for reinforcement. No reinforcement is offered if the learner responds too soon. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement IRT (space-responding) DRL (Example) | The learner likes to raise hands, and you'd like to promote longer intervals. Reinforce hand-raising when the learner waits at least 2 minutes between raises. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement Functional Communication Training (FCT) (Definition) | Specialized DRA. Teaches a clear communication response (spoken word, sign, card, or device) to get the same reinforcer that maintained the problem behavior. It is often paired with extinction for the problem behavior. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement Functional Communication Training (FCT) (Example) | Instead of grabbing snacks, the learner taps a picture for "cracker." You deliver a cracker immediately and gradually shape longer requests for waiting. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement: Common Pitfalls | Confusing Differential Reinforcement Alternative (DRA) vs Differential Reinforcement Incompatible (DRI), Differential Reinforcement Other Behavior (DRO) vs DRL Teaching a replacement that doesn't access the same reinforcer as the problem behavior. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement: Exam Tips: To Teach a "Better" Behavior to Replace the Problem Behavior and still Get the Same Outcome, | DRA: Any appropriate alternative that works for the same function. DRI: An alternative that is physically incompatible with the problem behavior. FCT: A communication response (a type of DRA) that gets the same reinforcer. |
| Implement Differential Reinforcement: Exam Tips: DRO/DRL, Focuses on Changing when and how often the Behavior Happens. | Use timers and clear criteria so you know exactly when to deliver or reset. DRO: Reinforce no occurrence of the behavior during the interval. DRL: Reinforce lower rates or longer spacing for behaviors that are acceptable in small amounts. |
| Implement Extinction Procedures Extinction (Definition) | The process by which stop delivering the reinforcer that has been keeping the problem behavior going. When the behavior no longer "works," it gradually decreases. |
| Implement Extinction Procedures Extinction Procedure is Almost Always Paired with Reinforcement for Appropriate Alternatives | To ensure that the learner still has a clear and dignified method of meeting needs. |
| Implement Extinction Procedures Attention Extinction (Defintion) | Withhold attention after the problem behavior (no eye contact, no scolding , no lecture) instead continue instruction neutrally and reinforce appropriate bids for attention (e.g., hand-raising, "excuse-me"). |
| Implement Extinction Procedure Attention Extinction (Example) | The learner shouts your name for your attention. You keep your eyes on the task and do not respond to the shout. When the learner says "excuse me," you respond immediately in a warm way. |
| Implement Extinction Procedure Escape Extinction (Definition) | You do not allow escape from the task following the behavior. Keep the demand in place with compassionate prompting and reinforce cooperation or appropriate break requests. |
| Implement Extinction Procedure Escape Extinction (Example) | When the worksheet is presented, the learner cries to refuse. You wait patiently, represent the first small step (demand fading), and praise completion. The task does not disappear because of the refusal. |
| Implement Extinction Procedure Tangible Extinction (Definition) | Do not provide the item/activity after the problem behavior. Provide the same item for the replacement response (e.g., request card, waiting, earning via token). |
| Implement Extinction Procedure Tangible Extinction (Example) | The learner whines to get stickers for her art project. You do not provide stickers following her whining. You wait for the learner to finish coloring for 2 minutes and point to the "finished" card, and you grant access immediately. |
| Implement Extinction Procedure Automatic (Sensory) Extinction (Definition) | Withholding or blocking the sensory consequence when ethically appropriate and arranging competing stimuli and enrichment to reduce the learner's reliance on problematic behavior. |
| Implement Extinction Procedure Automatic (Sensory) Extinction (Example) | If hair pulling procedure a tactile sensation for the learner, you introduce textured fidgets that provide a similar sensation and reinforce using them. You may use clothing or gentle positioning to reduce access to the sensation when trained to do so. |
| Implement Extinction Procedure: Common Pitfalls | Mismatching function with extinction. Failing to prepare for side effects. |
| Implement Extinction Procedure: Exam Tips | Extinction targets the maintaining reinforcer, not the behavior itself. |
| Punishment Procedures Punishment Procedures (Definition) | Aim to reduce the future likelihood of a behavior by changing what happens after it and usually not used alone. Always follow your plan exactly as written, and expect the plan to reach and reinforce alternative DRA/DRI/FCT and antecedent supports. |
| Punishment Procedures Positive Punishment (Definition) | A rare method of reinforcement for RBTs. Reduce the behavior by adding an unpleasant consequence after it happens. |
| Punishment Procedures Positive Punishment (Example: Overcorrection) | The learner scribbles on the desk with a marker. You calmly stop behavior, have the learner clean the affected area, and practice the appropriate use of the marker as directed. |
| Punishment Procedures Negative Punishment (Definition) | More common in the RBT practice. Remove access to something valuable following the behavior, such as time-out and response cost. |
| Punishment Procedures Time-Out (Definition) | From Positive Reinforcement is a brief, planned removal access to reinforcement after the target behavior, with clear entry and exit rules. |
| Punishment Procedures Time-Out (Example) | The learner throws materials in a token-earning game. You deliver a 1-minute time-out (loss of game access). When the timer ends and the learners' body is calm, they return to the play and can immediately earn tokens for appropriate handling. |
| Punishment Procedures Response Cost (Definition) | Means the removal of tokens/points/privileges after the behavior. |
| Punishment Procedures Response Cost (Example) | During the token-earning game, talking without permission results in the loss of one token, while raising a hand before speaking earns one token. Keep the removal brief and natural, and place most of your attention on earning. |
| Punishment Procedures: Common Pitfalls | Using punishment without matching appropriate teaching (e.g., no FCT or DRA). Applying time-out for escape-maintained behavior can reward escape. That's a function mistmatch. |
| Punishment Procedures: Exam Tips: The Difference between Punishment, Reinforcement, and Extinction | Reinforcement increases behavior by adding or removing something valued. Punishment decreases behavior by adding or removing something valued. Extinction stops the reinforcer that maintained the behavior (not simply ignoring everything). |
| Side Effects of Extinction and Punishment List (4) Four Extinction Side Effects | (1) Extinction Burst, (2) Response Variation, (3) Resurgence, and (4) Emotional Responding |
| Side Effects of Extinction and Punishment Extinction Burst (Definition) | The target behavior temporarily increases in both frequency and intensity. Need to stay consistent, follow safety protocols, and reinforce the appropriate alternative so the learner has a better way to meet the same need. |
| Side Effects of Extinction and Punishment Response Variation (Defintion) | New or different forms of the behavior can appear (for example, whining changes to shouting). When encountering this, apply the same rule by withholding the reinforcer that serves the same function and reinforcing the approved alternative. |
| Side Effects of Extinction and Punishment Resurgence (Definition) | Old problematic behaviors may reappear if the replacement behavior temporarily stops contacting reinforcement. To stop this, you restore a quick and reliable reinforcement for the replacement, so it "works" better than the problem behavior. |
| Side Effects of Extinction and Punishment Emotional Responding (Definition) | Actions that show emotions happen when reinforcement changes. Crying or protesting can occur. Keep your tone calm and neutral, and do not add attention if attention is the reinforcer. |
| Side Effects of Extinction and Punishment List (2) Two Punishment Side Effects | (1) Emotional Responding and Response Variation and (2) escape/avoidance. |
| Side Effects of Extinction and Punishment Similar to the Extinction Side Effect, Punishment Side Effects Emotional Responding and Response Variation may Occur. | You may see protest, crying, or shifts in topography. Deliver the consequence briefly and neutrally, then return to reinforcing appropriate behavior. |
| Side Effects and Extinction and Punishment When Learner Responds by Escape/Avoidance | They may try to avoid individuals or settings associated with the punishment. If you notice this, report promptly to the supervisor. The team may be adjust the procedure, increase reinforcement, or switch strategies to protect apport and effectiveness. |
| Implement Crisis/Emergency Procedures Purpose of Crisis/Emegerency Procedures | Designed to protect immediate safety of the learner and others during dangerous situations. |
| Implement Crisis/Emergency Procedures What should RBTs do Before, During, and After a Crisis? | Before: Know the crisis plan, materials, and communication steps. During: Use only trained procedures and call for help if required. After: De-escalate, document objectively, and debrief with the supervisor. |
| Implement Crisis/Emergency Procedures: Exam Tips | RBTs must stay within their scope-- they implement the written plan exactly and do not invent new procedures. |