SR 1
A client is reinforced for every 5th correct response they provide during a discrete trial training session. Which schedule of reinforcement is being implemented?
A. Variable Ratio 5 (VR5)
B. Fixed Interval 5 (FI5)
C. Fixed Ratio 5 (FR5)
D. Variable Interval 5 (VI5)
C FR5
A fixed ratio schedule provides reinforcement after a set, unvarying number of correct responses have occurred.
An RBT is tracking a student's on-task behavior during an independent study block. The RBT checks on the student on an unpredictable schedule—sometimes after 2 minutes, sometimes after 8 minutes, and sometimes after 5 minutes. If the student is working the first time they look at them after that interval, they get praise. On average, this happens every 5 minutes. What schedule is this?
A) FI5
B) FR5
C) VR5
D) VI5
D) VI5
Variable Interval (VI) schedules reinforce the first correct behavior after an unpredictable, varying amount of time has passed.
An RBT is working with a student who raises their hand frequently. The RBT delivers a token only when the student goes at least 10 minutes without shouting out. If the student shouts out, the 10-minute timer resets. What procedure is being used?
A. DRI
B. DRA
C. DRL
D. DRO
D. DRO
DRO involves delivering reinforcement if a specific problem behavior does not occur during a set interval of time.
A client engages in frequent vocal scripting (repeating movie lines) that interferes with group learning. The supervisor designs a plan where the client receives a token for every 5 minutes they go completely without vocal scripting. If they script, the timer starts over. Which procedure is this?
A) DRA
B) DRI
C) DRO
D) DRH
C) DRO
Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO) delivers reinforcement contingent on the absolute absence of the problem behavior during a specific timeframe.
An RBT is teaching a client to string beads. At first, the client is reinforced for every single bead they string. Over time, the supervisor instructs the RBT to reinforce every 3rd bead, then every 7th bead, then every 12th bead. This deliberate process of reducing the frequency of reinforcement is called:
A) Ratio strain
B) Extinction
C) Schedule thinning
D) Habituation
C) Schedule thinning
Schedule thinning is the gradual transition from a dense reinforcement schedule (like continuous) to an intermittent schedule as a skill is mastered.
An RBT is checking their email approximately every 15 minutes. Sometimes a new message arrives after 5 minutes, sometimes after 25 minutes, but it averages out to every 15 minutes. Assuming checking results in a reward (a new message), what schedule is this?
A. Fixed Ratio 15 (FR15)
B. Fixed Interval (FI15)
C. Variable Interval (VI15)
D. Variable Ratio 15 (VR15)
C. Variable Interval 15 (VI15)
A client receives a piece of a puzzle after completing 3 math problems, then after 7 problems, then after 5 problems. On average, they receive a puzzle piece for every 5 math problems they solve. What schedule is this?
A) Variable Ratio 5 (VR5)
B) Fixed Ratio 5 (FR5)
C) Variable Interval 5 (VI5)
D) Fixed Interval 5 (FI5)
A) Variable Ratio 5 (VR5)
Variable Ratio (VR) involves delivering reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses that average out to a specific number.
A slot machine pays out on an average of every 20 pulls, but the exact number of pulls required changes unpredictably from one payout to the next. This represents which schedule of reinforcement?
A. CRF
B. Fixed Ratio 20 (FR20)
C. Variable Interval 20 (VI20)
D. Variable Ratio 20 (VR20)
D. VR 20
A variable ratio schedule delivers reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses that average out to a specific value.
A child bites their hand to escape a difficult tracing task. The supervisor instructs the RBT to ignore the biting, keep the task demand in place, and teach the child to tap a picture icon that says "Break." When the child taps the icon, they immediately get a 1-minute break. This is an example of:
A) DRI
B) DRA
C) DRL
D) DRO
B) DRA
Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA) replaces a problem behavior by reinforcing a functional, appropriate alternative action (in this case, functional communication).
When a behavior is reinforced on a Fixed Interval (FI) schedule, a specific post-reinforcement pause followed by an increasing rate of response occurs right before the timer ends. What is this classic visual pattern on a graph called?
A) An extinction burst
B) A steep ratio line
C) An FI scallop
D) A variable steady-state
C) An FI scallop
An "FI scallop" is the classic cumulative graph curve for fixed interval schedules, where responding drops right after a reward and accelerates rapidly as the end of the interval approaches.
When teaching a brand new skill like matching identical pictures, which reinforcement schedule should an RBT utilize to establish the behavior quickly?
A. Variable Ratio 10 (VR10)
B. Continuous Reinforcement (FR1)
C. Fixed Interval 2 (FI2)
D. Extinction
B. CRF
Continuous reinforcement (reinforcing every correct response) is ideal when initially acquiring or building a brand-new skill.
An RBT is working with a client on sight words. The supervisor writes in the plan: "Reinforce the client after exactly 12 correct responses." What schedule is this?
A) VR12
B) FI12
C) FR12
D) VI12
C) FR12
Fixed Ratio (FR) requires a predictable, unvarying count of targeted behaviors before a reward is given.
To decrease a client's screaming, an RBT provides reinforcement when the client speaks in a normal conversational volume. Screaming receives no reinforcement. Because speaking softly and screaming cannot occur at the same time, this is an example of:
A. DRI
B. DRO
C. DRL
D. DRA
A. DRI
DRI reinforces an incompatible behavior that physically prevents the individual from engaging in the problem behavior simultaneously.
An RBT is working with a child who constantly runs around the clinic room during instructional time. The supervisor sets up a program where the child earns a minute of iPad time if they are sitting flat in their chair. Because sitting down and running around cannot happen at the same time, this is a:
A) DRI
B) DRA
C) DRO
D) DRL
A) DRI
Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI) targets a replacement behavior that is physically impossible to perform at the same time as the problem behavior.
If an RBT stops delivering reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior, which schedule is technically being put into effect?
A) Intermittent reinforcement
B) Extinction (EXT)
C) Continuous reinforcement (CRF)
D) Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR)
B) Extinction (EXT)
Extinction is functionally a schedule where zero occurrences of the target behavior receive reinforcement.
A client is learning to raise their hand. The RBT sets a timer for exactly 4 minutes. Once the timer rings, the RBT provides a token for the very first hand-raise that occurs. Any hand-raises that happened before the timer went off are not reinforced. What schedule is this?
A) Fixed Ratio 4 (FR4)
B) Fixed Interval 4 (FI4)
C) Variable Interval 4 (VI4)
D) Continuous Reinforcement (CRF)
B. Fixed Interval 4 (FI4)
Fixed Interval (FI) means providing reinforcement for the first correct response after a set, predictable amount of time has passed.
A client is learning to type their sight words. The supervisor instructs the RBT to deliver a sticker after the client finishes exactly 8 sight words. This represents which schedule of reinforcement?
A) Fixed Interval 8 (FI8)
B) Fixed Ratio 8 (FR8)
C) Variable Ratio 8 (VR8)
D) Variable Interval 8 (VI8)
B) Fixed Ratio 8 (FR8)
A Fixed Ratio (FR) schedule delivers reinforcement after a specific, unchanging number of correct responses have been completed.
A client frequently bites their nails during class. The supervisor designs a plan where the RBT delivers praise and a sticker whenever the client is chewing gum instead of biting their nails. This is an example of:
A. DRO
B. DRA
C. NCR
D. DRI
B. DRA
This is a DRA because chewing gum is a functional alternative behavior, but it is technically physically possible to bite nails while having gum in the mouth, making it an alternative rather than strictly incompatible.
A student finishes their independent worksheets so fast that they make careless mistakes and skip lines. The RBT implements a plan where the student only gets a star if they take at least 30 seconds per math question. If they answer faster than 30 seconds, they do not get a star. What procedure is this?
A) DRH
B) DRO
C) DRA
D) DRL
D) DRL
Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates (DRL) is used when a behavior is acceptable or normal but occurs too fast or too frequently. It enforces a minimum space of time between behaviors (Inter-Response Time).
Which schedule of reinforcement is best suited for maintaining a behavior over a long period of time and making it highly resistant to fading out?
A) Continuous Reinforcement (FR1)
B) Intermittent Reinforcement (INT)
C) Noncontingent Reinforcement (NCR)
D) Continuous Punishment
B) Intermittent Reinforcement (INT)
Intermittent schedules (like VR or VI) are used to maintain behaviors because the uncertainty keeps the learner responding even when rewards are thin.
Which of the following schedules of reinforcement is most resistant to the effects of extinction?
A. FR1
B. VR
C. FI
D. VI
B. VR
Variable schedules are highly unpredictable, meaning the learner keeps responding for a long time without reinforcement because they are used to unpredictable thin schedules.
An RBT is tracking a client's compliance with transitions between activities. The RBT sets a timer for varying amounts of time (e.g., 3 minutes, 7 minutes, 5 minutes) that average out to 5 minutes. The RBT delivers praise for the very first compliant transition that occurs after that timer rings. What schedule is this?
A) Variable Interval 5 (VI5)
B) Fixed Interval 5 (FI5)
C) Variable Ratio 5 (VR5)
D) Fixed Ratio 5 (FR5)
A) Variable Interval 5 (VI5)
A Variable Interval (VI) schedule reinforces the first correct response after an unpredictable, varying amount of time has elapsed.
A child asks 'Are we there yet?' during a long road trip. The parents decide to answer the question only if at least 20 minutes have passed since the last time the child asked it. If the child asks sooner, they receive no response. What schedule or procedure is this?
A. DRA
B. DRO
C. DRH
D. DRL
D. DRL
Using an inter-response time arrangement reinforces a response only if it is separated from the previous response by a minimum amount of time, aimed at reducing high rates,
A client speaks in such a quiet whisper that the RBT cannot hear their answers during a lesson. The supervisor implements a plan where the client only receives praise when they speak at or above a specific microphone decibel level. This is an example of:
A) DRH (Differential Reinforcement of High Rates)
B) DRL (Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates)
C) DRD (Differential Reinforcement of Diminishing Rates)
D) DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior)
A) DRH (Differential Reinforcement of High Rates)
Differential Reinforcement of High Rates (DRH) is used to increase the frequency or intensity of a behavior that is currently occurring too slowly, too weakly, or not enough.
A client claps their hands repetitively and loudly to get sensory stimulation. The RBT is instructed to give the client a high-five and a token only when the client has their hands placed flat inside their lap. Which specific procedure is this?
A) DRA
B) DRO
C) DRI
D) DRL
C) DRI
Having hands flat in the lap is physically incompatible with clapping hands together. Therefore, this is a DRI.