D. Behavior Reduction
14 of the 75 scored questions on the RBT exam (19%), across 7 tasks. Each task below has a study page with definitions, worked examples, common mistakes and practice questions.
The 7 tasks
- D.1 Functions of behaviorProblem behavior that keeps happening is producing something for the person. The function of a behavior is that maintaining consequence: attention, escape from or avoidance of something unpleasant, access to tangible items or activities, or automatic reinforcement the behavior produces itself. RBTs need to recognize these functions because every function-based plan they carry out is built around them; the supervisor determines the function, and the RBT supplies the objective data that make that possible.41 questions
- D.2 Antecedent interventionsAntecedent interventions change what happens before problem behavior so the behavior is less likely to occur at all. They work mainly by changing motivating operations (how valuable a reinforcer is at the moment) and the cues present in the setting. RBTs carry out the antecedent strategies the supervisor writes into the plan, such as noncontingent reinforcement, high-probability request sequences and demand fading, exactly as specified.41 questions
- D.3 Differential reinforcementDifferential reinforcement reduces problem behavior by reinforcing something else (an alternative behavior, the absence of the problem behavior, or a lower rate of it) while problem behavior no longer produces the reinforcer. The main forms are DRA, DRI, FCT, DRO and DRL. RBTs deliver reinforcement exactly when the plan's rule is met, keep problem behavior from paying off, and record data the supervisor uses to adjust the plan.41 questions
- D.4 ExtinctionExtinction means a behavior no longer produces the reinforcer that has been maintaining it, so over time the behavior occurs less. The procedure must match the function of the behavior, which is why the supervisor designs it from assessment results. The RBT's job is to withhold the right reinforcer every time, keep everyone safe, record data and report what happens.41 questions
- D.5 Positive and negative punishmentPunishment is any consequence that makes the behavior it follows less likely in the future. Positive punishment adds a stimulus; negative punishment removes one. RBTs implement punishment procedures such as reprimands, overcorrection, response cost and time-out only when they are written in the client's plan and the supervisor has verified the RBT's competence, and always alongside reinforcement for appropriate behavior.41 questions
- D.6 Secondary effects of extinction and punishmentExtinction and punishment both reduce behavior, and both can produce side effects that an RBT must recognize. Extinction can bring an extinction burst, response variation, emotional responding, spontaneous recovery and resurgence. Punishment can bring emotional responses, aggression, and escape and avoidance. Knowing these effects helps the RBT stay consistent, keep everyone safe, record accurately and report to the supervisor.41 questions
- D.7 Crisis and emergency proceduresA crisis is a situation in which behavior or an emergency puts the client or others at risk of harm; emergencies also include medical events, fires, severe weather and missing clients. The RBT's first priority is safety, and their actions follow the client's crisis plan and the organization's emergency procedures, which the RBT has been trained in. Afterward, the RBT documents objectively and notifies the supervisor promptly.41 questions
Practise this content area
287 questions for behavior reduction in 9 sets: start with Behavior Reduction practice set 1. The mock exams show your score in this area alongside the others.
Key terms
- Function of behavior
- Attention function
- Escape function
- Tangible function
- Automatic reinforcement
- Sensory function
- Antecedent intervention
- Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR)
- High-probability request sequence
- Demand fading
- Choice making
- Activity schedule
- Visual schedule
- Priming
- Differential reinforcement
- Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA)
- Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO)
- Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI)
- Differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL)
- Functional communication training (FCT)
- Replacement behavior
- Extinction
- Escape extinction
- Attention extinction
- Sensory extinction
- Planned ignoring
- Punishment
- Positive punishment
- Negative punishment
- Time-out (from positive reinforcement)
- Exclusionary time-out
- Nonexclusionary time-out
- Overcorrection
- Extinction burst
- Spontaneous recovery
- Resurgence
- Response variation
- Emotional responding
- Escape and avoidance (side effect of punishment)
- Punishment side effects
- Crisis intervention
- Behavior intervention plan (BIP)
- Restrictive procedures
Drill them with the flashcards.