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The Cost-Benefit Principle

[FinB] During a functional analysis, a behavior analyst sits nearby while completing a data sheet and does not interact with the client. If the client begins throwing toys, the behavior analyst immediately turns to the client and says, “Please stop that,” then resumes writing on the data sheet. Which FA condition is being tested?

Generally, on a linear two-good production possibilities curve, the opportunity cost of the good measured on the vertical axis is

The production possibilities curve shows

[FinB] A parent is shaping her young child’s snack requests. When the child asks with a one-word request, the caregiver provides the snack on an FI10′ schedule. When the child uses a two-word request, the caregiver provides the snack on an FI1′ schedule. According to the matching law, how are responses likely to be allocated?

[FinB] Mitch, a behavior analyst, completes a functional analysis (FA) for his client, Craig, and his aggression toward others, specifically slapping their arms or legs. Craig slaps when he asks for his mom’s attention and she is busy on the phone or talking to someone else. When Craig slaps his mom, she ends the conversation and attends to him. According to the FA results, social positive reinforcement maintains Craig’s slapping. Craig’s mom says she can tolerate his slapping but would prefer that he learn to engage in independent activities while she is busy. Which intervention would be most appropriate for Mitch to use in this scenario?

A 32-year-old patient presents with recurrent unilateral headaches over the past year. The pain is described as severe, occurs on one side of the head, and typically lasts several hours. During episodes, the patient prefers to lie down in a dark, quiet room and reports nausea. On further questioning, the patient denies eye redness, tearing, or nasal congestion. Physical activity worsens the headache. There is no scalp tenderness, and neurological examination is normal.  Which should be the top differential diagnosis?

Matt has decided to purchase his textbooks for the semester. His options are to purchase the books online with next-day delivery at a cost of $175, or to drive to campus tomorrow to buy the books at the university bookstore at a cost of $170. Last week he drove to campus to buy a concert ticket because they offered 25 percent off the regular price of $16. Given that driving to campus to buy the concert ticket was rational for Matt, Matt should

[FinA] A student frequently shouts answers during class discussions. The teacher sets a daily goal: the student shouts fewer than 10 times on Monday, fewer than 8 on Tuesday, and so on. The student earns a sticker if they meet the daily goal. Which differential reinforcement procedure is the teacher using?

Which of the following is not a characteristic of rent controls?