Behavioral Momentum
True or False: RBTs should begin with low-effort and high-probability requests.
True; build the behavior momentum
What is pairing?
The process of building a positive relationship between the client and the RBT
True or False: Reinforcement and bribery are the same thing.
False: Reinforcement is planned & given AFTER; Bribery is unplanned & given BEFORE
What is your role as an RBT with pairing?
Your role as an RBT is to build a strong, positive relationship that supports learning and engagement.
One way to build instructional control is to make sure ___ is meaningful and motivating to the learner.
Reinforcement
True or False: RBT’s should only pair with a client at the beginning of the session.
False: RBT’s should be pairing throughout the whole session.
True or False: The RBT can start asking questions and placing demands right away with a client.
False: if you jump in too fast, clients may engage in avoidance or become resistant to you in the future
True or False: It is okay to stop pairing after the first couple of sessions with your client and after you have gained instructional control.
False: RBT’s should be pairing throughout the whole session every session.
Having your client perform 2 mastered tasks before placing a more difficult demand is an example of what?
Building behavioral momentum
What are signs that pairing is occurring?
Client begins approaching the RBT & seeking interactions
Sharing toys, taking turns, etc.
Reduced behaviors and avoidance
Sustained progress
Any acceptable answer
A common pairing mistake is:
Presenting demands to early and quickly
Pairing at the beginning of every session
Creating a positive relationship with the client
Presenting demands to early and quickly
During a table-top activity, the client begins pushing the materials away, avoids eye contact, and repeatedly says, "I'm done." What is happening and what may you do?
Instead of continuing to present demands, the RBT recognizes the client is withdrawing assent, offers a short break, and collaborates with the BCBA to modify the activity before re-engaging the client.
When RBT’s build strong rapport and are encouraging, respectful, and responsive to the client’s needs this helps them gain what?
Instructional control
What are 3 reasons why pairing would weaken?
Changes in the environment, increased demands, illness or fatigue, reinforcement loses value, or difficult learning history
Limiting access unnecessarily or removing items too quickly can cause:
1. Behaviors due to declined access
2. Client’s motivation to interact with the RBT may decline
3. Any acceptable answers
The RBT asks the client to complete 20 matching tasks before earning a single sticker. After several demands, the client puts their head down, says, "No more," and stops responding. What is happening and what would you do?
The RBT recognizes the client is withdrawing assent because the response effort outweighs the value of the reinforcer. The RBT adjusts the session by reducing the number of tasks and providing more frequent, meaningful reinforcement. (talk to BCBA before changing any reinforcement schedule)
What is behavioral momentum?
Strategy used to increase compliance by asking an individual to perform quick, easy tasks they are highly likely to complete before presenting a more complex or difficult task.
Why can pairing look different in home versus in clinic?
At home you want to follow their normal routine. Pairing may be more naturalistic and use reinforcement that they are familiar with. While in the clinic, you can set your schedule and you are the one creating that welcoming environment.
Give an example of not pairing?
Allowing the client unrestricted access to all items
Being friends with the client
Bribery
Ignoring treatment goals and plans
Any acceptable answer
An RBT uses Legos as reinforcement after each work task because the client loved them during the first two sessions. By the third session, the client ignores the Legos, says, "I don't want to play with those," and is less motivated to complete tasks. What is happening and why? What would you do in this scenario?
The RBT recognized the client was withdrawing assent by refusing to play with the Legos and chose a different reinforcer based on the client's current preferences.