ABA Exam 1 (60+ Questions) – Reinforcement Schedules, Differential Reinforcement, Shaping & Extinction – Applied Behavior Analysis – Liberty University

This comprehensive ABA Exam 1 preparation document for Liberty University’s Applied Behavior Analysis program (2025/2026) includes over 60 structured and fully answered questions, focused on fundamental and intermediate ABA concepts. It is ideal for students seeking a deep understanding of how reinforcement, punishment, shaping, and extinction are used in behavior intervention and program design. The document begins by establishing the definition and goals of applied behavior analysis, emphasizing measurable behavior change, environmental control, and empirical validation. It outlines critical learning theories such as operant conditioning, three-term contingency, and the functional classes of reinforcers (escape, attention, access, self-stimulation). Detailed explanations are provided for both topography and function of behavior, ensuring clarity in behavior assessment and intervention. Core applied topics covered include: Reinforcement schedules: fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, variable interval—advantages and disadvantages of each Punishment procedures and their limitations, including time-out and response cost Differential reinforcement types: DRO, DRA, DRL, DRI, with applied examples Extinction principles, factors influencing extinction, and expected behavioral side effects Shaping techniques and five behavioral dimensions that can be shaped (frequency, duration, intensity, latency, topography) Behavioral chains and response sequences that produce reinforcement Effective use of prompts, modeling, and antecedent interventions Unconditioned and conditioned reinforcers, including the role of backup reinforcers Modeling, prompting, and reinforcement strategies for maintaining appropriate behavior This study guide is academically structured, clearly explained, and formatted to reflect real exam standards. It is also aligned with BACB expectations for early graduate coursework. Recommended for: – Students in ABA, Behavioral Psychology, and Education or Special Education – BCBA and RBT exam candidates – Behavioral clinicians, tutors, or therapists in training – University-level learners seeking mastery of ABA core concepts Keywords: ABA 624, ABA exam, reinforcement schedules, punishment, extinction, shaping, differential reinforcement, DRO, DRA, DRL, DRI, behavior chain, operant conditioning, reinforcement, modeling, prompting, antecedent intervention, unconditioned reinforcer, conditioned reinforcer, three-term contingency, Liberty University