RBT Behavior Reduction Study Guide

The Behavior Reduction domain (Section C) covers strategies used to decrease problem behaviors. As an RBT, you'll implement behavior reduction plans created by your supervising BCBA. Understanding the principles behind these procedures is critical for safe, ethical, and effective practice.

Functions of Behavior

Before reducing a behavior, you must understand why it occurs. All behavior serves one (or more) of four functions:

  1. Attention: Behavior maintained by social interaction (positive or negative)
  2. Escape/Avoidance: Behavior maintained by removal of demands or aversive stimuli
  3. Access to Tangibles: Behavior maintained by gaining items or activities
  4. Automatic/Sensory: Behavior maintained by internal sensory stimulation
💡 Tip: Remember the acronym SEAT — Sensory, Escape, Attention, Tangible.

Extinction

Extinction involves withholding reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior. When the reinforcer maintaining a behavior is no longer delivered, the behavior will eventually decrease.

Extinction Burst

When extinction is first implemented, behavior often temporarily increases in frequency, intensity, or duration before it decreases. This is called an extinction burst and is a normal part of the process.

⚠️ Key Exam Point: An extinction burst is a temporary increase in the target behavior — it does NOT mean extinction isn't working.

Spontaneous Recovery

After a behavior has been extinguished, it may temporarily reappear even without reinforcement. This is spontaneous recovery and is also normal.

Differential Reinforcement

Differential reinforcement procedures reduce problem behavior by reinforcing alternative or appropriate behaviors while withholding reinforcement for the problem behavior.

DRA — Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior

Reinforce a specific alternative behavior that serves the same function as the problem behavior. The alternative should be easier and more efficient for the learner.

Example: A child screams to get attention → Teach and reinforce raising a hand instead.

DRO — Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior

Reinforce the absence of the problem behavior for a specified time period. Any behavior other than the target problem behavior is reinforced.

Example: Deliver praise every 5 minutes that the child does NOT engage in hitting.

DRI — Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior

Reinforce a behavior that is physically incompatible with the problem behavior — both behaviors cannot occur simultaneously.

Example: Reinforce sitting in a chair (incompatible with running around the room).

DRL — Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates

Reinforce the behavior only when it occurs at or below a predetermined rate. Useful when the behavior itself isn't problematic, but the frequency is.

Example: A student who calls out 20 times per class is reinforced only when call-outs drop to 5 or fewer.

Punishment

Punishment decreases the future likelihood of a behavior.

  • Positive Punishment: Adding an aversive stimulus after the behavior (e.g., a verbal reprimand)
  • Negative Punishment: Removing a preferred stimulus after the behavior (e.g., loss of screen time)
⚠️ Important: Punishment should only be used when positive/reinforcement-based procedures alone are insufficient, and must be part of a comprehensive behavior plan designed by a BCBA.

Antecedent Interventions

Antecedent strategies modify the environment before the behavior occurs to prevent it:

  • Noncontingent Reinforcement (NCR): Providing reinforcement on a time-based schedule regardless of behavior
  • Environmental modifications: Changing the setting to reduce triggers
  • Offering choices: Giving the learner options to increase cooperation
  • Visual schedules: Providing predictability to reduce anxiety-driven behaviors

Key Terms Quick Reference

TermDefinition
ExtinctionWithholding reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior
Extinction BurstTemporary increase in behavior when extinction begins
Spontaneous RecoveryTemporary reappearance of extinguished behavior
DRAReinforcing a specific alternative behavior
DROReinforcing the absence of the target behavior
DRIReinforcing a physically incompatible behavior
DRLReinforcing behavior at or below a set rate
Positive PunishmentAdding a stimulus to decrease behavior
Negative PunishmentRemoving a stimulus to decrease behavior
NCRProviding reinforcement on a time schedule regardless of behavior

🎯 Exam Tips for This Domain

  • Know all four functions of behavior (SEAT) — many questions test this.
  • An extinction burst is expected and temporary.
  • DRA requires a replacement behavior; DRO reinforces the absence of the problem behavior.
  • DRI requires the replacement behavior to be physically incompatible with the problem behavior.
  • Punishment decreases behavior; reinforcement increases it — regardless of positive/negative prefix.

Test Your Knowledge

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