B.7: Identify and distinguish among unconditioned, conditioned, and generalized reinforcers.
Free practice questions for this part of the BCBA, with an explanation for every option.
Clients in a day program earn tokens they can exchange for snacks, computer time, outings, or small toys. The tokens are best classified as:
- A. Simple conditioned reinforcers paired with a single backupIncorrect. These tokens are paired with many backups, not one.
- B. Automatic reinforcersIncorrect. Tokens are delivered by another person, so they are socially mediated, not automatic.
- C. Unconditioned reinforcersIncorrect. Tokens get their reinforcing value through a learning history, not through biology.
- D. Generalized conditioned reinforcersCorrect. Conditioned reinforcers that are paired with many different backup reinforcers are generalized conditioned reinforcers.
An RBT repeatedly pairs a clicker sound with immediate delivery of a small edible. Later, the click alone, delivered contingent on a new behavior, increases that behavior. The click is now functioning as a(n):
- A. Conditioned reinforcerCorrect. A stimulus that gains reinforcing function by being paired with an established reinforcer is a conditioned reinforcer.
- B. Unconditioned reinforcerIncorrect. The click has no biological importance. It gained its value only through pairing.
- C. Generalized conditioned reinforcerIncorrect. The click was paired with only one backup reinforcer, so it is not generalized.
- D. Neutral stimulusIncorrect. Once the click increases behavior it follows, it is no longer neutral.
After a long hike on a hot day, which consequence would most likely function as an unconditioned reinforcer for a 10-year-old camper?
- A. A gold star on the camp chartA gold star has value only because of a learning history in which it was paired with other reinforcers. That makes it a conditioned reinforcer.
- B. A drink of cold waterCorrect. Water relieves a biological deprivation (dehydration from the hike). It works as a reinforcer without any learning history, so it is an unconditioned reinforcer.
- C. A ticket for the camp storeA store ticket is valuable because it can be exchanged for backup items. That makes it a conditioned reinforcer.
- D. Praise from the camp counselorPraise usually becomes a reinforcer through pairing with other reinforcers. It is conditioned (often generalized), not unconditioned.