Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Behavioral Psychology MCQ Quiz

Explore key ABA techniques, behavior modification methods and real-world applications. Perfect for students and professionals.

Questions (30)


  1. What is the primary goal of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

    • a) To evaluate behavior without implementing intervention
    • b) To study the neurological impact of behavior
    • c) To observe how behavior changes under laboratory conditions
    • d) To improve socially significant behaviors through systematic intervention
    View Answer
    Correct To improve socially significant behaviors through systematic intervention
  2. Which of the following is a key feature of ABA therapy?

    • a) The use of reinforcement to increase desired behaviors
    • b) The use of medication to manage behaviors
    • c) The use of punishment as the primary tool for behavior change
    • d) The assumption that behavior cannot be modified
    View Answer
    Correct The use of reinforcement to increase desired behaviors
  3. In ABA, what does the term "reinforcement" refer to?

    • a) A means to distract the individual from the problem behavior
    • b) A method to decrease undesirable behavior through punishment
    • c) A strategy used to ignore unwanted behaviors
    • d) The process of increasing the likelihood of a behavior by providing a reward
    View Answer
    Correct The process of increasing the likelihood of a behavior by providing a reward
  4. Which of the following is an example of positive reinforcement?

    • a) Giving a child a sticker for completing a task
    • b) Removing a child's favorite toy as a consequence for misbehavior
    • c) Ignoring a child’s behavior to decrease it
    • d) Telling someone to stop a behavior with a harsh reprimand
    View Answer
    Correct Giving a child a sticker for completing a task
  5. What is "extinction" in the context of ABA?

    • a) Punishing the behavior until it stops
    • b) The technique of rewarding an undesirable behavior
    • c) The process of reducing a behavior by no longer providing reinforcement
    • d) Adding distractions to reduce the behavior
    View Answer
    Correct The process of reducing a behavior by no longer providing reinforcement
  6. What is "task analysis" in ABA?

    • a) Breaking down a complex task into smaller, manageable steps
    • b) Analyzing the environment for behavioral triggers
    • c) Creating a list of rewards for good behavior
    • d) Designing a punishment plan for undesired behaviors
    View Answer
    Correct Breaking down a complex task into smaller, manageable steps
  7. Which of the following is a key principle of Applied Behavior Analysis?

    • a) Behavior cannot be modified in children with disabilities
    • b) Behavior is a result of genetic predisposition only
    • c) Behavior is entirely influenced by unconscious desires
    • d) Behavior is learned and can be modified through reinforcement and punishment
    View Answer
    Correct Behavior is learned and can be modified through reinforcement and punishment
  8. What is "generalization" in ABA?

    • a) The ability to forget an unwanted behavior
    • b) The process by which a behavior learned in one setting transfers to other situations
    • c) Reinforcing a behavior multiple times in the same setting
    • d) Using punishment as a tool for learning
    View Answer
    Correct The process by which a behavior learned in one setting transfers to other situations
  9. What is "discrete trial training" (DTT) in ABA?

    • a) An informal teaching method used to encourage natural learning
    • b) A structured approach where behavior is taught in small, discrete steps
    • c) A method used to discipline the individual
    • d) A strategy to focus on non-verbal cues during behavior therapy
    View Answer
    Correct A structured approach where behavior is taught in small, discrete steps
  10. In ABA, what does "behavioral shaping" involve?

    • a) Ignoring the behavior until it disappears
    • b) Punishing any deviation from the target behavior
    • c) Gradually reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior
    • d) Reinforcing only the final desired behavior
    View Answer
    Correct Gradually reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior
  11. In the context of ABA, what does the term "antecedent" refer to?

    • a) The events or conditions that occur before a behavior and may trigger it
    • b) The consequence of a behavior that follows it
    • c) The therapist's response to the behavior
    • d) The setting in which the behavior occurs
    View Answer
    Correct The events or conditions that occur before a behavior and may trigger it
  12. What is a "token economy" in ABA?

    • a) A system where tokens are given as rewards for desired behavior. which can be exchanged for privileges
    • b) A type of medication management system
    • c) A strategy for ignoring unwanted behavior
    • d) A therapy used for severe behaviors only
    View Answer
    Correct A system where tokens are given as rewards for desired behavior. which can be exchanged for privileges
  13. What does "reinforcement schedule" refer to in ABA?

    • a) A fixed plan for dealing with every behavior
    • b) The rules for how a behavior should be punished
    • c) The process of ignoring a behavior until it disappears
    • d) The timing and frequency with which reinforcement is provided for behavior
    View Answer
    Correct The timing and frequency with which reinforcement is provided for behavior
  14. What is a "variable ratio schedule" of reinforcement?

    • a) Reinforcing a behavior after an unpredictable number of occurrences
    • b) Reinforcing a behavior after every occurrence
    • c) Reinforcing a behavior after a fixed number of occurrences
    • d) Providing reinforcement at a set time interval
    View Answer
    Correct Reinforcing a behavior after an unpredictable number of occurrences
  15. What does "positive punishment" involve in ABA?

    • a) Giving a reward to encourage the behavior
    • b) Introducing an unpleasant stimulus to decrease the occurrence of a behavior
    • c) Ignoring the behavior to reduce its occurrence
    • d) Removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease behavior
    View Answer
    Correct Introducing an unpleasant stimulus to decrease the occurrence of a behavior
  16. What is the purpose of "behavioral assessment" in ABA?

    • a) To observe and analyze the behavior to develop an appropriate intervention
    • b) To conduct psychological testing unrelated to behavior
    • c) To rely on self-reports from individuals
    • d) To avoid any intervention until the behavior becomes extreme
    View Answer
    Correct To observe and analyze the behavior to develop an appropriate intervention
  17. Which of the following is an example of "negative reinforcement"?

    • a) Removing a loud noise when a child completes their task
    • b) Giving a child a toy for good behavior
    • c) Giving a reward for completing a difficult task
    • d) Adding an unpleasant experience as a consequence of bad behavior
    View Answer
    Correct Removing a loud noise when a child completes their task
  18. What is the role of a "behavior analyst" in ABA?

    • a) To focus solely on emotional responses to behaviors
    • b) To prescribe medication for behavior-related issues
    • c) To study the neurological aspects of behavior without intervention
    • d) To assess and develop treatment plans based on behavioral principles
    View Answer
    Correct To assess and develop treatment plans based on behavioral principles
  19. What is "self-management" in the context of ABA?

    • a) Ignoring the individual’s behaviors to reduce their occurrence
    • b) Allowing the therapist to manage the individual’s behavior continuously
    • c) Teaching an individual to regulate and monitor their own behavior
    • d) Focusing only on internal emotional responses
    View Answer
    Correct Teaching an individual to regulate and monitor their own behavior
  20. What is "prompting" in ABA?

    • a) Providing additional cues or support to help the individual perform a desired behavior
    • b) Providing rewards only after a behavior is completed
    • c) Punishing undesired behaviors to prevent them from happening
    • d) Ignoring the behavior until it naturally improves
    View Answer
    Correct Providing additional cues or support to help the individual perform a desired behavior
  21. Which of the following is a characteristic of ABA therapy?

    • a) It focuses on emotional rather than behavioral responses
    • b) It relies on unstructured approaches without predefined goals
    • c) It is solely based on passive observation without intervention
    • d) It involves individualized and data-driven interventions
    View Answer
    Correct It involves individualized and data-driven interventions
  22. What does the "ABC" model stand for in ABA?

    • a) Assessment, Behavior, Conclusion
    • b) Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence
    • c) Attitude, Behavior, Communication
    • d) Antecedent, Belief, Cause
    View Answer
    Correct Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence
  23. What is the role of "consequences" in ABA?

    • a) To strengthen or weaken a behavior based on the outcome following the behavior
    • b) To simply observe the behavior without intervening
    • c) To ignore the behavior and focus on other stimuli
    • d) To ensure that all behaviors are punished
    View Answer
    Correct To strengthen or weaken a behavior based on the outcome following the behavior
  24. In ABA, what does "data collection" serve to do?

    • a) To measure the effectiveness of the intervention and adjust as needed
    • b) To only observe the behavior without making changes
    • c) To predict when a behavior will occur
    • d) To study internal emotional responses without focusing on the behavior
    View Answer
    Correct To measure the effectiveness of the intervention and adjust as needed
  25. What does "functional analysis" in ABA help to identify?

    • a) The biological causes of a behavior
    • b) The emotional triggers of a behavior
    • c) The antecedents and consequences of a behavior that maintain it
    • d) The subjective feelings related to the behavior
    View Answer
    Correct The antecedents and consequences of a behavior that maintain it
  26. Which of the following is an example of a "visual prompt" in ABA?

    • a) A picture or symbol used to encourage a desired behavior
    • b) A verbal instruction to perform a task
    • c) A physical gesture that signals a behavior
    • d) A reward given after the behavior is completed
    View Answer
    Correct A picture or symbol used to encourage a desired behavior
  27. What is "behavioral momentum" in ABA?

    • a) The resistance to change after punishment
    • b) The immediate cessation of all behaviors after intervention
    • c) The tendency for a behavior to persist once it has been established through reinforcement
    • d) The tendency to increase avoidance behaviors after failure
    View Answer
    Correct The tendency for a behavior to persist once it has been established through reinforcement
  28. Which of the following is true about the use of ABA with children with autism?

    • a) ABA is widely used as an evidence-based therapy for improving behavior and social skills
    • b) ABA is never used for children with autism
    • c) ABA is exclusively used for academic purposes
    • d) ABA is used primarily for teaching language without other behavioral considerations
    View Answer
    Correct ABA is widely used as an evidence-based therapy for improving behavior and social skills
  29. What does "behavioral intervention" typically involve in ABA?

    • a) Ignoring all problematic behaviors
    • b) Developing a structured plan to reinforce desired behaviors and reduce undesired ones
    • c) Using medication exclusively to treat the behavior
    • d) Relying solely on talk therapy
    View Answer
    Correct Developing a structured plan to reinforce desired behaviors and reduce undesired ones
  30. What is the main purpose of a "reinforcement contingency" in ABA?

    • a) To specify the relationship between a behavior and its consequence
    • b) To punish undesired behavior
    • c) To observe the behavior without giving any consequences
    • d) To ensure that the behavior is ignored
    View Answer
    Correct To specify the relationship between a behavior and its consequence

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