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Concepts and Principles

Which schedule of reinforcement is most resistant to extinction?

A. Fixed ratio (FR)

B. Variable ratio (VR) ✓

C. Fixed interval (FI)

D. Variable interval (VI)

Explanation:

Variable ratio (VR) schedules produce the highest resistance to extinction because the unpredictability of reinforcement keeps the behavior strong. Classic examples include slot machines and sales commissions, where the individual never knows exactly when the next reinforcement will occur.

Behavior Assessment

What is the primary purpose of conducting a functional behavior assessment (FBA)?

A. To determine the student's cognitive abilities

B. To identify the function or purpose of the problem behavior ✓

C. To assess academic skills

D. To diagnose psychological disorders

Explanation:

The primary purpose of an FBA is to identify the function or purpose that a problem behavior serves for the individual (e.g., attention, escape, access to tangibles, or automatic reinforcement). Understanding the function allows for development of effective, function-based interventions.

Behavior-Change Procedures

Which differential reinforcement procedure involves reinforcing any behavior other than the target problem behavior?

A. DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative behavior)

B. DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior)

C. DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior) ✓

D. DRL (Differential Reinforcement of Low rates)

Explanation:

DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other behavior) involves delivering reinforcement when the problem behavior does not occur for a specified period of time. Any behavior other than the target problem behavior can occur and still result in reinforcement, making it the broadest differential reinforcement approach.

Ethical and Professional Issues

According to the BACB Ethics Code, what must a behavior analyst do when a client's legal rights conflict with the recommendations of the behavior analyst?

A. Immediately terminate services

B. Follow the legal requirements without question

C. Inform all parties of the conflict and attempt to resolve it ✓

D. Document the issue but proceed with recommendations

Explanation:

When legal requirements conflict with professional recommendations, the behavior analyst must inform all relevant parties of the conflict and work toward resolution. This aligns with the BACB Ethics Code requirement to resolve conflicts between ethics and legal requirements through open communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation

Which measurement dimension would be most appropriate for tracking how long a child engages in tantrum behavior?

A. Frequency/Count

B. Rate

C. Duration ✓

D. Latency

Explanation:

Duration is the most appropriate measurement for tantrum behavior because it captures how long the behavior occurs, which is typically more clinically relevant than simply counting the number of tantrums. Duration measurement is essential when the length of time the behavior occurs is the primary concern.

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