RBT Exam Flashcards
Free Operant
an observation–based method appropriate for children who are unable to select between highly–preferred and low–preferred items, those who engage in challenging behavior, or when the therapist is unfamiliar with the child. The child is given unrestricted access to a variety of toys and activities. The longer the child engages with an item, the stronger the inference is that the item is preferred.
Single Stimulus
a trial–based method appropriate for children who have difficulty selecting between two or more stimuli. Also called ‘successive choice’. A stimulus is presented and the child’s reaction is recorded.
Paired Stimulus
a trial–based method appropriate for children who can adequately select preferred items from an array of two. Also called ‘forced–choice’. Each stimulus is matched randomly with every other item in the set. Data show how many times an item was chosen and then stimuli are ranked in terms of high, medium, and low preference.
Multiple Stimulus Without Replacement
a trial–based method appropriate for children who can adequately select preferred items among a sizable array of stimuli. For assessments with tangible items (i.e., toys), it is also appropriate for children who do not engage in challenging behavior when preferred toys are taken away. All stimuli are presented simultaneously, the selected item is removed from the array, the placement of items is rearranged and the next trial begins with a reduced number of items.
Multiple Stimulus With Replacement
a trial–based method appropriate for children who can adequately select preferred items among a large array of items. For tangible items (i.e., toys), it is also appropriate for children who do engage in challenging behavior when preferred toys are taken away. All stimuli are presented simultaneously, the item selected remains in the array and the items that were not selected are replaced with new stimuli.
Positive reinforcement
When a behavior is followed immediately by the presentation of a stimulus that increases the future frequency of the behavior in similar conditions
Positive reinforcer
A stimulus whose presentation or onset functions as reinforcement (an item may be preferred but does not function as a reinforcer unless it increases the future likelihood of a behavior). 5 types of reinforcers: edible, activity, tangible, social, sensory
Negative reinforcement
when a behavior is followed immediately by the removal of a stimulus that increases the future frequency of the behavior in similar conditions
Negative reinforcer
A stimulus whose termination (or reduction in intensity) increases the future likelihood of a behavior
Positive punishment
A behavior is followed immediately by the presentation of a stimulus that decreases the future frequency of behavior
Negative punishment
A behavior is followed immediately by the removal of a stimulus (or decrease in intensity of the stimulus) that decreases the future frequency of similar responses under similar conditions
Unconditioned reinforcer
A stimulus change that can increase the future frequency of behavior without prior pairing with any other form of reinforcement. No learning history required. UCRs are a product of biology. Examples: food, water, warmth, sleep. Also called ‘primary’ or ‘unlearned’ reinforcer.
Conditioned reinforcer
When a previously neutral stimulus acquires the ability to function as a reinforcer through stimulus–stimulus pairing with one or more unconditioned or conditioned reinforcers. Learning history is required. CRs are a product of development. Examples: toys, tokens, money, social attention and praise. Also called ‘secondary’ or ‘learned’ reinforcer.
Continuous reinforcement
Provide reinforcement for every occurrence, or independent response, of the target behavior
Fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement
Fixed = constant, set criteria. Ratio = a certain number of occurrences of the behavior have to occur before one response produces reinforcement. Example: Fixed Ratio 4 (FR4) = reinforcement is delivered after every 4th independent response.
