RBT Exam Key Terms
A glossary of important vocabulary and concepts from the RBT Task List.
Schedules of Reinforcement
A rule specifying which occurrences of a given behavior will be reinforced.
- Fixed Ratio (FR): Reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of correct responses. Example: A child receives a token for every 5 correct answers.
- Variable Ratio (VR): Reinforcement is delivered after an average number of correct responses. This schedule is most resistant to extinction. Example: A slot machine pays out on average every 20 pulls.
- Fixed Interval (FI): Reinforcement is delivered for the first correct response after a fixed amount of time has passed. Example: A student gets a break every 10 minutes for staying on task.
- Variable Interval (VI): Reinforcement is delivered for the first correct response after a variable amount of time has passed. Example: A supervisor checks in and provides praise at random times during the day.
Prompting Hierarchy (Most to Least)
A systematic way of providing and fading assistance to a learner to promote independence. The hierarchy moves from most intrusive to least intrusive prompts.
- Full Physical: Guiding the learner's hands completely to perform the task.
- Partial Physical: Lightly touching the learner's hand or elbow to guide them.
- Model: Demonstrating the correct response for the learner to imitate.
- Gestural: Pointing, nodding, or making another gesture to indicate the correct response.
- Verbal: Providing a spoken cue or the beginning sound of the correct answer.
- Visual: Showing a picture or a written word as a cue.
- Independent: The learner performs the skill correctly with no assistance.