Pairing & Teaching Methods
You start a session by dancing to the client’s favorite song before placing demands. What ABA principle are you using?
Pairing
What is an antecedent strategy?
A way to modify the environment to reduce maladaptive behaviors.
A client earns reinforcement for asking for a break instead of screaming. Which DR procedure is this?
DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative)
What is continuous data collection?
Recording every occurrence of a behavior during the entire session.
You reinforce a child first for saying “ba,” then later only for “ball.” What technique is this?
Shaping
What is the main purpose of Discrete Trial Training (DTT)?
To break skills into small steps and teach them in a structured way.
A teacher gives a “2-minute warning” before transitioning to recess. What kind of strategy is this?
A child receives reinforcement for sitting calmly, which cannot be done at the same time as running around. Which DR is this?
DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior)
You set a timer for every 5 minutes and check if the client is on-task. What method is this?
Momentary Time Sampling
A child screams for candy. The RBT ignores screaming and only gives candy when the child says “candy please.” Which two strategies are at work?
Extinction + Functional Communication Training (FCT)
A client has difficulty learning colors. Instead of flashcards, the RBT plays a block-stacking game where the child sorts colors. What teaching method is this?
Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
A child completes a puzzle and is given high fives and praise. What type of reinforcement is being used here?
Positive reinforcement
Why might an RBT choose DRI instead of DRA?
Because DRI ensures the replacement behavior physically prevents the problem behavior from occurring.
A tantrum lasts from 2:15 to 2:27. What type of data is collected?
Duration (continuous)
A teacher says, “Time for math,” and the student sits down because this cue has been paired with reinforcement in the past. What is this stimulus called?
Discriminative Stimulus (SD)
A client tolerates brushing teeth for 10 seconds, then 30 seconds, then 1 minute, reinforced at each step. Which technique is being applied?
Shaping
List 4 consequence strategies and explain how to use 2 of them.
FCT
Reinforcement (positive/negative)
Punishment (Positive Negative)
Blocking
Scenario: An RBT provides reinforcement every 5 minutes a client goes without yelling. Which DR procedure is this?
DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other)
Which interval recording method risks underestimating behavior? Why?
Whole Interval — the behavior must last the entire interval to be counted.
Why is extinction often paired with teaching replacement behaviors like FCT?
Because extinction alone removes reinforcement but does not teach a new, functional behavior.
You sit next to a child and play with blocks while following their lead and building just like them. You ask personal information questions at the same time such as "what is your name" and "what if your mom's name". What strategy are you using?
Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)
Why is it important to use antecedent strategies along with consequence strategies?
Because preventing behaviors and teaching skills together is more effective than only reacting after behavior occurs.
This DR procedure reinforces behavior when it happens less often than a set limit, while its opposite reinforces when behavior happens more often than a set limit.
DRL (Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates) and DRH (Differential Reinforcement of High Rates)
A client’s average tantrum duration decreased from 12 minutes to 4 minutes. What can this data suggest?
The intervention is effective at reducing behavior.
This type of stimulus signals that a behavior will not be reinforced (no reinforcement available).
SΔ (S-delta)