Area 8: Selecting Intervention Outcomes and Strategies

Question 1

Before individual components of a chain can be linked together, the behavior analyst must…

Answer 1

** **construct and validate a task analysis of the components of the behavioral sequence

Question 2

A task analysis should be individualized according to…(3)

Answer 2

1. age
2. skill level
3. prior experience

Question 3

What are the 3 methods that can be used to identify and validate the components of a task analysis?

Answer 3

1. Developed after observing individual perform the desired sequence
2. Consult with experts or persons skilled in performing the task
3. Perform the behaviors oneself

Question 4

Wthat are 2 principal ways to assess a person’s mastery level of TA behaviors prior to training?

Answer 4

1. Single Opportunity Method: assesses learner’s ability to perform each behavior in a **correct sequence. **BA will mark all following steps as an error after the learner misses or makes an error on the previous step.

• More conservative measure because the assessment terminates at teh first step at which performance breaks down
• Quicker
• Provides less info

2. Multiple-Opportunity Method: the BA will completes missed/incorrect steps for the learner and then positions her for the next step. Each step performed correctly is scored as a correct response, even if the learner erred on the previous steps

• takes more time
• Provide more info

Question 5

In selecting target behaviors, practitioners should consider ___ behavior is being assessed–and changed–and ___.

Answer 5

In selecting target behaviors, practitioners should consider whose behavior is being assessed–and changed–and why.

Question 6

What questions should a BA ask when assessing the potenial target behavior’s relative social significance and habilitative value? (10)

Answer 6

1. Will the behavior be reinforced in the person’s life?
2. Is the behavior a necessary prerequisite for a useful skill
3. Will the behavior increase the person’s access to environments in which other important behaviors can be learned or used.
4. Will the behavior predispose others to interact with the person in a more appropriate adn supportive manner?
5. Is the behavior a cusp or pivotal behavior?
6. Is it age appropriate?
7. What is the desirable, adaptive behavior that is going to replace the undesirable behavior?
8. Is the behvaior represent the actual problem or is it related?
9. Is this just talk, or is it the real behavior of interest?
10. What if the goal of the behavior change is not the problem? (e.g., weightloss, losing weight, is not a behavior. It is a product of other behaviors–reduced food consumption and/or increased exercise. Also getting good grades, have more friends, improving self-concept)

Question 7

A good behavioral definition should be… (3)

Answer 7

(1) Objective and refer to characteristics of behavior. Inferential terms (e.g., expressing feelings) should not be used. Also, behaviors should not be defined by their influence over the behaviors of others.
(2) Clear and unambiguous – be concise – don’t add things to the definition of the behavior that belong elsewhere. Information about where the behavior occurs is irrelevant to the definition
(3) Complete – delineate the boundaries of the behavior.

Question 8

What 3 questions should you ask to test the definition of a target behavior?

Answer 8

1. Can you count the number of times/minutes that the behavior occurs? (Your answer should be “YES!”)
2. Will a stranger know exactly what to look for when you tell him/her the target behavior? (Your answer should be “YES!”)
3. Can you break down the target behavior inot smaller behavioral components? (Your answer should be “NO!”)

Question 9

When making recommendations to the client regarding intervention strategies consider that: (6)

Answer 9

1. Time-out should not be used for escape and avoidance behavior.
2. Differential reinforcement of other behavior does not directly contact the behavior to be reduced nor the functional relations likely to be operating. Therefore, this procedure should be used with caution and typically in combination with other more direct procedures.
3. Behavior is often under multiple control. Whenever possible these different sources of control should be differentiated and procedures selected accordingly.
4. Select behavior change procedures that are consistent with the principles of behavior and published research.
5. When more than one procedure is indicated, select behavior change procedures based on competencies of the behavior analyst and other persons who will be carrying out the program.
6. Select procedures based on hypotheses generated from behavioral assessment information.

Question 10

Ideally, the behavior selected to be incompatible with or alternative to the inappropriate behavior: (4)

Answer 10

1. Already exsists in the learner’s current repertoire
2. Requires equal, or preferably less, effort than the problem behavior
3. Is already being emitted at a rate prior to the DRI/DRA intervention that will provide sufficient opportunities for reinforcement.
4. Is likely to be reinforced in the learner’s natural environment after the intervention is terminated.

Question 11

Select targets for change that you observe being ___ in the ___ environment.

Answer 11

Select targets for change that you observe being reinforced in the natural environment.

Question 12

Determine and make environmental changes that reduce the need for behavior analysis services: (4)

Answer 12

1. Putting individuals in touch with preferences they have in common could enhance relationships.
2. The value of some behavior changes to significant others in the person’s life should not be overlooked.
3. Behavior change interventions for which the primary beneficiaries are others in the environment are appropriate when the behaviors result in others responding more favorably to the client.
4. Moreover, behaviors that will be reinforced by the natural community are most likely to maintain.

Question 13

What should persons designing and implementing self-administered consequences consider?

Answer 13

1. Select small easy-to-deliever consequences:
2. Set a meaningful but easy-to-meet criterion for reinforcement
3. Eliminate “Bootleg Reinforcement”–access to the specified reward without meeting the response requirements of the contingency
4. If necessary, put someone else in control of delivering consequences
5. Keep it simple

Question 14

What is suggested for conducting an effective self-management program? (6)

Answer 14

1. Specify a goal and define the behavior to be changed
2. Begin self-monitoring the behavior
3. Contrive contingencies that will compete with natural contingencies
4. Go public
5. Get a self-management partner
6. Continually evaluate and redesign program as needed