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G.3: Design and evaluate time-based reinforcement (e.g., fixed-time) schedules.

Free practice questions for this part of the BCBA, with an explanation for every option.

A functional analysis shows a student's disruption is maintained by teacher attention. The BCBA recommends the teacher give the student brief praise and conversation every 3 minutes, whether or not disruption occurs. Which schedule is this?
  1. A. Fixed-time schedule (noncontingent reinforcement)
    Correct. A reinforcer delivered at fixed time intervals, independent of behavior, is a fixed-time (NCR) schedule.
  2. B. Differential reinforcement of other behavior
    DRO requires the behavior to be absent. These deliveries happen regardless of behavior.
  3. C. Variable-ratio schedule
    A VR schedule requires a variable number of responses before reinforcement.
  4. D. Fixed-interval schedule
    An FI schedule requires a response after the interval ends. Here, delivery does not depend on any response.
In baseline, a client's tantrums (maintained by access to tangibles) occur on average about every 90 seconds. A BCBA is starting fixed-time delivery of tangibles. Which initial schedule is the best choice?
  1. A. An FT interval at or somewhat shorter than the mean baseline interresponse time, such as FT 60 seconds
    Correct. A dense initial schedule based on the baseline IRT (equal to it or slightly richer) helps produce an early reduction. The schedule is then thinned.
  2. B. FT 5 minutes, to keep reinforcer delivery manageable for staff
    An interval much longer than the baseline IRT may not weaken the MO enough to compete with tantrums.
  3. C. An FT interval set by client preference, without considering baseline data
    Baseline data should guide schedule selection so the FT schedule competes with the problem behavior.
  4. D. Deliver tangibles on a variable-ratio schedule matched to the baseline rate of tantrums
    A VR schedule makes tangibles contingent on tantrums, which is reinforcement of the problem behavior, not a fixed-time (NCR) schedule.
A manufacturing company gives each employee a $25 gift card at unpredictable times, about once every two weeks on average. The gift cards do not depend on attendance, output, or any other employee behavior. Which schedule is in effect?
  1. A. Variable-time (VT) 2-week schedule
    Correct. The gift cards come on a time-based schedule that does not depend on any response, and the intervals vary around an average. That makes it a variable-time schedule.
  2. B. Variable-interval (VI) 2-week schedule
    A VI schedule requires a response after the interval ends before reinforcement is delivered. Here no response is required at all.
  3. C. Fixed-time (FT) 2-week schedule
    An FT schedule delivers the stimulus after the same amount of time every time. These deliveries are unpredictable, so the interval varies.
  4. D. Variable-ratio (VR) schedule based on output
    A VR schedule depends on a variable number of responses. Output plays no role in when the gift cards arrive.

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