Question 1

Missy engages in head banging when she has an earache and the pain of the earache is lessened.As a result,she is more likely to bang her head when she has an earache.This is an example of:&#10;A)social positive reinforcement&#10;B)social negative reinforcement&#10;C)automatic positive reinforcement&#10;D)automatic negative reinforcement

Accepted Answer

Automatic negative reinforcement occurs when a behavior is strengthened by the removal of an aversive stimulus or the reduction of an aversive event, leading to an increase in the frequency of the behavior. In this scenario, headbanging lessens the pain of the earache, acts as a negative reinforcer, and strengthens the headbanging behavior.

Question 2

Mandy cries when her parents ask her to do a chore and she does not have to do the chore.As a result,she is more likely to cry when her parents ask her to do a chore.This is an example of:&#10;A)social positive reinforcement&#10;B)social negative reinforcement&#10;C)automatic positive reinforcement&#10;D)automatic negative reinforcement

Accepted Answer

Mandy's crying leads to the removal of an aversive stimulus (the chore), which increases the likelihood of crying in the future when asked to do a chore. This is an example of social negative reinforcement because the behavior (crying) is negatively reinforced by the social action of her parents (not having to do the chore).

Question 3

Joe flicks the light switch on and off and it produces reinforcing visual stimulation.As a result he is more likely to flick the light switch on and off.This is an example of:&#10;A)social positive reinforcement&#10;B)social negative reinforcement&#10;C)automatic positive reinforcement&#10;D)automatic negative reinforcement

Accepted Answer

This is an example of automatic positive reinforcement because the behavior (flicking the light switch) produces a reinforcing consequence (visual stimulation) without the involvement of other people.

Question 4

Directly observing the problem behavior and recording the antecedents and consequences as they occur is which functional assessment method?&#10;A)indirect&#10;B)direct observation&#10;C)in situ assessment&#10;D)experimental (functional analysis)

Accepted Answer

Direct observation involves observing the individual in their natural environment and recording information about the behavior, antecedents, and consequences as they occur. This is in contrast to indirect assessment methods, where information is gathered through interviews, surveys, and questionnaires. In situ assessment involves observing individual's behavior in the environment where the behavior typically occurs, which is similar to direct observation but with a focus on the specific environment. Experimental (functional) analysis involves manipulating variables to determine the function of the behavior.

Question 5

Jake hits his brother and gets scolded by mom.As a result he is more likely to hit his brother.This is an example of:&#10;A)social positive reinforcement&#10;B)social negative reinforcement&#10;C)automatic positive reinforcement&#10;D)automatic negative reinforcement

Accepted Answer

This is an example of social positive reinforcement because the attention Jake receives from his mom (even though it is scolding) can be reinforcing, making him more likely to repeat the behavior for attention.

Question 6

Which is NOT functional assessment method?&#10;A)indirect methods&#10;B)direct observation methods&#10;C)functional relationship methods&#10;D)experimental methods

Accepted Answer

Functional relationship methods are actually a type of functional assessment method. The other three options (indirect methods, direct observation methods, and experimental methods) are all functional assessment methods commonly used in behavior analysis.

Question 7

The process of identifying the antecedents and consequences of a problem behavior is called:&#10;A)functional assessment&#10;B)behavior recording&#10;C)functional relationship&#10;D)experimental control

Accepted Answer

Functional assessment involves identifying the antecedents and consequences of a problem behavior in order to determine its function or purpose. Behavior recording involves measuring and tracking the occurrence of a behavior. Functional relationship involves demonstrating a causal relationship between two variables. Experimental control involves manipulating one variable to determine its effect on another variable.

Question 8

Using behavioral interviews or questionnaires to gather information of the antecedents and consequences of the problem behavior is which functional assessment method?&#10;A)indirect&#10;B)direct observation&#10;C)in situ assessment&#10;D)experimental (functional analysis)

Accepted Answer

Using behavioral interviews or questionnaires to gather information of the antecedents and consequences of the problem behavior is a form of indirect functional assessment. Indirect methods rely on gathering information from others about the behavior, rather than directly observing the behavior in situ or conducting an experimental analysis.

Deck 13: Understanding Problem Behaviors Through Functioning Assessments