Measurement Matters
An RBT data shows that Joe aggressed 8 times today. Which measurement is being used?
Frequency (count)
Initially, reinforcement follows any attempt to say “ball.” Later, only “ba” earns reinforcement, and eventually the full word is required. Which procedure is being used?
Shaping
A parent asks an RBT to stop a current program and begin teaching a different skill. Who should the RBT consult before making this change?
The supervisor
Before a difficult transition, an RBT provides the visual schedule and advance warning specified in the plan. Are these antecedent or consequence interventions?
Antecedent interventions
A learner grabs a controller from a shelf. Staff give the learner access to the game, and grabbing becomes more frequent when the controller is unavailable. Which function is suggested?
Tangible
A learner cries twice: 40 seconds, then 80 seconds. What is the total duration in minutes?
120 minutes
During handwashing, the RBT completes the earlier steps and lets the learner independently dry their hands. Once that step is mastered, the learner practices turning off the water and drying. Which procedure is this?
Backward chaining
A caregiver offers to pay the RBT to babysit on weekends. Accepting would create a second relationship outside therapy. What professional concern does this raise?
Multiple relationship
A plan provides breaks when a learner appropriately requests them, while yelling no longer produces a break. Which differential reinforcement procedure strengthens the request?
DRA
A learner puts their head down when worksheets appear. Staff remove the worksheets, and head-down behavior increases during later assignments. Which function is suggested?
escape
During a 30-minute observation, an RBT divides the session into 1-minute intervals. The learner briefly leaves their seat during one interval. The RBT marks that interval as an occurrence, even though the learner was seated for most of it. Which measurement procedure is being used?
Partial-interval recording.
A learner earns a star after completing each task. Five stars can be exchanged for time with a preferred toy. Which teaching system is being used?
Token economy
Staff discuss a learner’s toileting difficulties in a crowded hallway. They avoid using the learner’s name, but others can identify who they mean. What obligation is being compromised?
Confidentiality
A plan reinforces holding a large ball with both hands to reduce hand clapping. Which differential reinforcement procedure most specifically describes this arrangement?
DRI
A learner makes loud jokes while the RBT talks with another adult. The RBT turns toward the learner and responds each time. Joking increases during these conversations. Which function is suggested?
attention
A learner packages 30 items during the first hour, takes a one-hour lunch, then packages 50 items during the final hour. What is the rate per hour of actual work time?
40 items per hour
A learner selects the correct picture when it has a bright outline. Following the plan, the RBT gradually makes the outline lighter until the learner responds without it. What procedure removes this extra cue?
Stimulus fading
While helping a learner change clothes, an RBT closes the door, limits unnecessary observers, and encourages the learner to complete steps independently. Which client-centered principle do these actions protect?
Client dignity
A learner receives reinforcement after two continuous minutes without hitting. If hitting occurs, the timer restarts. No particular replacement response is required. Which procedure is this?
DRO
A supervisor determines that a learner hums because the sound itself is reinforcing. Humming continues whether other people are present or absent. Which function has been identified?
Automatic reinforcement
A learner engages for 14 seconds of every 15-second interval. The RBT correctly records zero intervals with engagement. Which measurement procedure explains this score?
Whole-Interval Recording
While teaching a motor skill, the RBT continuously adjusts physical assistance to the learner’s movements, releases contact when possible, and resumes contact only as needed. Which specific prompting procedure is this?
Graduated guidance
An RBT watches a supervisor demonstrate a new procedure but still makes errors during rehearsal. Before implementing it with the learner, what must the RBT demonstrate beyond having observed the procedure?
Competency
A plan provides attention at scheduled times independent of behavior. Yelling previously produced additional attention, but it no longer does. Which two procedures are being combined?
NCR and extinction
During math, a learner tears the worksheet, and staff provide another copy. The learner then pushes the materials away, and staff end the assignment. Over several sessions, pushing materials away increases, while tearing decreases. Which function is most strongly suggested for pushing materials away?
Escape