,Liberty University PSYC 320 Quiz 3 | Behavior
Modification (2026) Q&A
1. A nurse is teaching a patient to use a self-monitoring log to track a target behavior. Which
step of a self-modification program does this represent?
A) Conducting a functional assessment
B) Implementing the plan
C) Collecting baseline data
D) Evaluating the program
Correct Answer: Collecting baseline data
Rationale: Baseline data collection involves measuring the target behavior before any
intervention begins. Self-monitoring is a common method for gathering baseline data,
allowing the individual to record the frequency, duration, or intensity of the behavior before
starting a change program. This information is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the
intervention later.
2. A patient who wants to quit smoking sets a goal of reducing cigarette use by 10% each
week. This is an example of:
A) A behavioral contract
B) A terminal goal
C) A short-term goal
D) A response cost procedure
Correct Answer: A short-term goal
Rationale: Short-term goals are intermediate steps that lead to a terminal goal. Reducing
cigarette use by 10% each week is a measurable, achievable step toward the larger goal of
quitting smoking entirely. Behavioral contracts are written agreements, and response cost is a
punishment procedure.
,3. A nurse is helping a patient develop a behavioral contract for weight loss. What is the
primary purpose of a behavioral contract?
A) To punish the patient for failing to lose weight
B) To specify the behaviors and consequences agreed upon by the patient and the person
helping them
C) To provide a legal document enforceable in court
D) To replace the need for self-monitoring
Correct Answer: To specify the behaviors and consequences agreed upon by the patient and
the person helping them
Rationale: A behavioral contract is a written agreement that clearly identifies the target
behaviors and the consequences that will follow their occurrence or nonoccurrence. It is not a
legal document and does not replace self-monitoring; rather, it enhances commitment and
accountability. The contract is developed collaboratively, not imposed.
4. In a token economy, a patient earns points for attending group therapy and can exchange
the points for desired privileges. What is the term for the privileges that can be purchased
with tokens?
A) Primary reinforcers
B) Backup reinforcers
C) Conditioned stimuli
D) Discriminative stimuli
Correct Answer: Backup reinforcers
Rationale: In a token economy, tokens function as conditioned reinforcers that can be
exchanged for backup reinforcers, which are the actual desired items or privileges. Primary
reinforcers are biologically based, while backup reinforcers can be any item or activity the
person values. The tokens themselves are not the end goal; the backup reinforcers are.
, 5. A nurse is teaching a patient to use a token economy at home for their child. Which
principle is essential for the token economy to be effective?
A) The backup reinforcers must be the same for every child
B) The tokens must be exchangeable for backup reinforcers the child values
C) Tokens should be given only after the child performs the behavior perfectly
D) The token system should be continued indefinitely without change
Correct Answer: The tokens must be exchangeable for backup reinforcers the child values
Rationale: Token economies are effective when the backup reinforcers are individualized
and meaningful to the child. What is reinforcing for one child may not be for another. Tokens
should be given for approximations of the target behavior and the system should be gradually
phased out as the behavior becomes established.
6. A patient who wants to increase exercise frequency decides to use a contingency contract
with their spouse. Which element is essential in this contract?
A) A penalty for failure to exercise
B) A clear specification of the target behavior and consequences
C) A verbal promise to exercise more
D) A restriction on all other activities
Correct Answer: A clear specification of the target behavior and consequences
Rationale: A contingency contract must clearly define the target behavior (e.g., exercising 30
minutes daily) and the consequences that will follow. It should be written, agreed upon by
both parties, and include both positive consequences for success and possibly consequences
for failure, but the specification of the behavior and consequences is essential.
7. A nurse is using differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) with a patient
who engages in attention-seeking behavior. Which approach is most consistent with DRA?
A) Ignoring the patient when they engage in attention-seeking behavior and reinforcing a
more appropriate behavior
Modification (2026) Q&A
1. A nurse is teaching a patient to use a self-monitoring log to track a target behavior. Which
step of a self-modification program does this represent?
A) Conducting a functional assessment
B) Implementing the plan
C) Collecting baseline data
D) Evaluating the program
Correct Answer: Collecting baseline data
Rationale: Baseline data collection involves measuring the target behavior before any
intervention begins. Self-monitoring is a common method for gathering baseline data,
allowing the individual to record the frequency, duration, or intensity of the behavior before
starting a change program. This information is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the
intervention later.
2. A patient who wants to quit smoking sets a goal of reducing cigarette use by 10% each
week. This is an example of:
A) A behavioral contract
B) A terminal goal
C) A short-term goal
D) A response cost procedure
Correct Answer: A short-term goal
Rationale: Short-term goals are intermediate steps that lead to a terminal goal. Reducing
cigarette use by 10% each week is a measurable, achievable step toward the larger goal of
quitting smoking entirely. Behavioral contracts are written agreements, and response cost is a
punishment procedure.
,3. A nurse is helping a patient develop a behavioral contract for weight loss. What is the
primary purpose of a behavioral contract?
A) To punish the patient for failing to lose weight
B) To specify the behaviors and consequences agreed upon by the patient and the person
helping them
C) To provide a legal document enforceable in court
D) To replace the need for self-monitoring
Correct Answer: To specify the behaviors and consequences agreed upon by the patient and
the person helping them
Rationale: A behavioral contract is a written agreement that clearly identifies the target
behaviors and the consequences that will follow their occurrence or nonoccurrence. It is not a
legal document and does not replace self-monitoring; rather, it enhances commitment and
accountability. The contract is developed collaboratively, not imposed.
4. In a token economy, a patient earns points for attending group therapy and can exchange
the points for desired privileges. What is the term for the privileges that can be purchased
with tokens?
A) Primary reinforcers
B) Backup reinforcers
C) Conditioned stimuli
D) Discriminative stimuli
Correct Answer: Backup reinforcers
Rationale: In a token economy, tokens function as conditioned reinforcers that can be
exchanged for backup reinforcers, which are the actual desired items or privileges. Primary
reinforcers are biologically based, while backup reinforcers can be any item or activity the
person values. The tokens themselves are not the end goal; the backup reinforcers are.
, 5. A nurse is teaching a patient to use a token economy at home for their child. Which
principle is essential for the token economy to be effective?
A) The backup reinforcers must be the same for every child
B) The tokens must be exchangeable for backup reinforcers the child values
C) Tokens should be given only after the child performs the behavior perfectly
D) The token system should be continued indefinitely without change
Correct Answer: The tokens must be exchangeable for backup reinforcers the child values
Rationale: Token economies are effective when the backup reinforcers are individualized
and meaningful to the child. What is reinforcing for one child may not be for another. Tokens
should be given for approximations of the target behavior and the system should be gradually
phased out as the behavior becomes established.
6. A patient who wants to increase exercise frequency decides to use a contingency contract
with their spouse. Which element is essential in this contract?
A) A penalty for failure to exercise
B) A clear specification of the target behavior and consequences
C) A verbal promise to exercise more
D) A restriction on all other activities
Correct Answer: A clear specification of the target behavior and consequences
Rationale: A contingency contract must clearly define the target behavior (e.g., exercising 30
minutes daily) and the consequences that will follow. It should be written, agreed upon by
both parties, and include both positive consequences for success and possibly consequences
for failure, but the specification of the behavior and consequences is essential.
7. A nurse is using differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) with a patient
who engages in attention-seeking behavior. Which approach is most consistent with DRA?
A) Ignoring the patient when they engage in attention-seeking behavior and reinforcing a
more appropriate behavior
