CHAPTER 23 PLANNING, APPLYING, AND EVALUATING A BEHAVIORAL PROGRAM Answers to [and Levels of] Questions for Learning 1. Q: How does a behavior modifier evaluate the importance of a problem? [Level 2/C] A: On the basis of answers to such questions as: Will solving the problem lead to less aversiveness or more positive reinforcement for the client or others? Will solving the problem likely stimulate other desirable behaviors, either directly or indirectly? 2. Q: What does a behavior modifier do when given a vague problem such as “aggression” to work on? [Level 2/C] Illustrate with an example. [Level 3/App] A: Specifies component behavior(s) that can be assessed behaviorally and determines whether dealing with the component(s) will solve the problem to the satisfaction of the referring agent or agencies. Any appropriate example is acceptable. 3. Q: How does a behavior modifier evaluate the ease with which a problem might be solved? [Level 2/C] A: If it is an undesirable behavior to be decreased, the behavior analyst should consider its stimulus control (narrow or broad), its schedule of reinforcement (degree of intermittency), the length of its history, and whether there are desirable behaviors that can replace it. If the problem is to teach a new behavior, does the client have the prerequisite skills? The answer to such questions will determine whether or not the problem will be easily manageable. 4. Q: How does a behavior modifier evaluate the ease with which the desired behavioral change might be generalized to and maintained in the natural environment? [Level 2/C] A: Consider whether the improved behavior can be managed in the natural environment, whether it is possible to devise a special training setting that can be faded easily into the natural environment, whether there are natural contingencies that will likely maintain the behavioral objective after it has been achieved, whether the behavior modifier can change the people in the natural environment so that they will help maintain the desired behavior, and whether it is possible for the client to learn a self-control program. 5. Q: Assume that you are a professional behavior modifier. List four possible conditions under which you would not treat a behavior problem that has been referred to you. [Level 2/C] A: An answer of “no” to any of the 8 questions listed under the subsection “Deciding Whether to Design a Program Following a Referral.” Student should list at least four of these, and state them in a way that indicates that the referral would not be accepted. 6. Q: What five variables should an appropriate baseline procedure enable you to monitor or identify? [Level 2/C] A: An appropriate Baseline procedure should enable you to: (a) monitor the problem behavior, (b) identify its current stimulus control, (c) identify its maintaining consequences, (d) monitor relevant medical/health/personal variables, and (e) identify an alternative desirable behavior. 7. Q: What six questions should a behavior modifier answer during the pretreatment assessment phase? [Level 2/C] A: (a) What daily times can the mediators schedule for this project? (b) Will others in the situation help or hinder data collection? (c) Will the surroundings make your assessment difficult? (d) How frequent is the problem behavior? (e) How rapidly should the behavior change? (f) Is the presenting problem a behavioral deficit or can it be reformulated as such?
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