Blog

Generally speaking, extinction __________ behavioral variability while reinforcement ____________ it.

You are working with a family who has an insurance company that is difficult to reach. Their authorization for treatment has run out and you have not secured a new one. The client has more appointments scheduled, and you will be able to submit claims if the authorization is continued. What is the most ethical course of action?

You are working with a student who spends part of his day in a special education classroom and part of his day in a general education classroom. His treatment goals include mand training, demand tolerance, and participation in group activities. The data show that he is making progress towards his goals in the general education classroom, but not in the special education classroom. What should the behavior analyst assess?

A behavior analyst is working with a student to eliminate the behavior of pulling posters off the walls in the halls of their school. Whenever the child is walking down the hallway, the child is given a small basket that has to be carried with two hands containing a book and some papers. After identifying adult attention as the maintaining reinforcer damaging the posters, the behavior analyst provides reinforcement for appropriately carrying the basket, such as praise. What procedure is the behavior analyst using?     

Which of the following best describes whole-interval recording?

When conducting a traditional functional assessment, what is likely the function of a behavior that takes place most frequently during the alone condition?

The family of a 16 year old client contacts your agency and requests support in reducing their child’s hand-flapping and vocal stereotypy at home. The child does not stim outside of the home and doesn’t want more ABA therapy, but the family finds this behavior upsetting as it reminds them that their child is different. They worry that she will not make friends in college if she does this in the dorm. What is the best course of action?

When implementing an intervention to increase a learner’s willingness to ingest novel foods, a behavior analyst notices that a child begins tantruming when presented with peanut butter. The child also develops a slight rash when they are instructed to touch the peanut butter. What should the behavior analyst do?

When transitioning a client out of services, what should a behavior analyst do?

A school district has contracted a behavior analyst to address self-injurious behavior that a student displays. The school administrator has requested that a traditional functional analysis not be run, due to concerns about safety and the potential for the need for hands-on intervention if the behavior escalates. What could the behavior analyst propose as an alternative?