ABSC 360 Exam 1 Questions and
Answers Already Passed
Question: What is the primary goal of behavior analysis?
Answer: ✔✔ The primary goal of behavior analysis is to understand and influence behavior
through systematic observation, measurement, and modification using principles of learning and
behavior.
Question: Define operant conditioning and give an example.
Answer: ✔✔ Operant conditioning is a learning process where behavior is modified by its
consequences, such as rewards or punishments. For example, a child who receives praise
(reinforcement) for completing their homework is more likely to do it regularly.
Question: What is the difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement?
Answer: ✔✔ Positive reinforcement involves adding a pleasant stimulus after a behavior to
increase its occurrence, such as giving a reward for good performance. Negative reinforcement
involves removing an aversive stimulus to increase behavior, like stopping loud noise when a
desired behavior occurs.
Question: What is a behavior intervention plan (BIP)?
1
, Answer: ✔✔ A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a detailed plan developed to address
challenging behaviors by outlining specific strategies and interventions designed to modify the
behavior and improve outcomes for the individual.
Question: Explain the concept of “reinforcement schedules” and name two types.
Answer: ✔✔ Reinforcement schedules are patterns or rules determining how often a behavior is
reinforced. Two types are fixed-ratio (reinforcement after a set number of responses) and
variable-ratio (reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses).
Question: What is a functional behavior assessment (FBA) and its purpose?
Answer: ✔✔ A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a process used to identify the
underlying causes and functions of challenging behaviors to develop effective intervention
strategies based on the identified function.
Question: Describe the difference between continuous reinforcement and intermittent
reinforcement.
Answer: ✔✔ Continuous reinforcement provides a reward after every instance of the desired
behavior, while intermittent reinforcement provides rewards only after some instances of the
behavior, which can lead to greater persistence of the behavior.
2
Answers Already Passed
Question: What is the primary goal of behavior analysis?
Answer: ✔✔ The primary goal of behavior analysis is to understand and influence behavior
through systematic observation, measurement, and modification using principles of learning and
behavior.
Question: Define operant conditioning and give an example.
Answer: ✔✔ Operant conditioning is a learning process where behavior is modified by its
consequences, such as rewards or punishments. For example, a child who receives praise
(reinforcement) for completing their homework is more likely to do it regularly.
Question: What is the difference between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement?
Answer: ✔✔ Positive reinforcement involves adding a pleasant stimulus after a behavior to
increase its occurrence, such as giving a reward for good performance. Negative reinforcement
involves removing an aversive stimulus to increase behavior, like stopping loud noise when a
desired behavior occurs.
Question: What is a behavior intervention plan (BIP)?
1
, Answer: ✔✔ A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a detailed plan developed to address
challenging behaviors by outlining specific strategies and interventions designed to modify the
behavior and improve outcomes for the individual.
Question: Explain the concept of “reinforcement schedules” and name two types.
Answer: ✔✔ Reinforcement schedules are patterns or rules determining how often a behavior is
reinforced. Two types are fixed-ratio (reinforcement after a set number of responses) and
variable-ratio (reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses).
Question: What is a functional behavior assessment (FBA) and its purpose?
Answer: ✔✔ A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a process used to identify the
underlying causes and functions of challenging behaviors to develop effective intervention
strategies based on the identified function.
Question: Describe the difference between continuous reinforcement and intermittent
reinforcement.
Answer: ✔✔ Continuous reinforcement provides a reward after every instance of the desired
behavior, while intermittent reinforcement provides rewards only after some instances of the
behavior, which can lead to greater persistence of the behavior.
2
