Break Down a Mock BCBA® Exam Question: Identify the Best Example of Response Generalization

Question: What is the best example of response generalization? And the options are A. “Knowing how to fry, bake, and barbecue chicken,” B. “Knowing how to fry fish, fried chicken, and fry shrimp,” C. “Referring to your mother, father, and daughter as family”, or D. “All of the above.” And the correct answer is A. “Knowing how to fry, bake, and barbecue chicken.”

The main thing to consider when trying to evaluate whether the answer should be response generalization is that one stimulus evokes a variety of different behaviors. So in our example, chicken is our one stimulus, and three different behaviors are described: frying, baking, and barbecuing. A good rule of thumb for this term is, within a scenario, there will be multiple responses described. Here– frying, baking, and barbecuing for one stimulus, chicken.

Versus stimulus generalization. Now this would involve multiple stimuli that evoke the same, one response. Like in option B, in which one behavior– frying something– can be used for three different stimuli: fish, chicken, and shrimp. Or option C, in which the response family can be used for three different stimuli– your mom, your dad, and your daughter.

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The Ultimate Reinforcement Schedules Showdown ➠ FT/VT vs. FI/VI

PTB co-founder Dana Meller delves into the differences and nuances between fixed-time (FT) and variable-time (VT) schedules, as well as fixed-interval (FI) and variable-interval (VI) schedules. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement; and G-14: Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).

Coffee Quandary: Stimulus Control & Absence of Reinforcement in the Pursuit of Hydration

PTB co-founder Dana Meller discusses the concept of stimulus control, explaining the function of the Sᴰ. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-10: Define and provide examples of stimulus control.

Test your ABA Terminology ➠ Operant vs. Respondent Extinction

PTB co-founder Dana Meller explains the differences between operant and respondent extinction procedures and how these procedures reduce challenging behaviors and diminish reflex responses in behavior management and conditioning. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Section B-3: Define and provide examples of respondent and operant conditioning.

Let's Break Down a BCBA® Mock Exam Question: Hypothesize the Function of Disruptive Behavior in Circle Time

PTB co-founder Dana Meller breaks down a BCBA® mock exam question, exploring various possibilities, automatic, unconditioned, negative, and positive reinforcement, to better understand the reasons behind the behavior in this scenario. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-4: Define and provide examples of positive and negative reinforcement contingencies.; and G-1: Use positive and negative reinforcement procedures to strengthen behavior.

ABA Terminology Challenge ➠ Ratio Strain vs. Breaking Point

PTB co-founder Dana Meller clarifies the distinctions between ratio strain and breaking point. Refer to BCBA® Task List (5th ed.) Sections B-5: Define and provide examples of schedules of reinforcement.; and F-5: Conduct preference assessments.