Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

Alternative appropriate behaviors that serve the same function for an individual are characterized by:

1. Producing the same reinforcer for the individual

2. Differentiating the function of behavior

3. Reducing the need for reinforcement

4. Changing the behavior’s intensity

The correct answer is: Producing the same reinforcer for the individual

The correct answer highlights that alternative appropriate behaviors share the same function in that they produce the same reinforcer for the individual. This means that the alternative behaviors are effective in fulfilling the same need or achieving the same outcome for the individual. For example, if an individual engages in a maladaptive behavior to gain attention, an alternative behavior would also serve to gain attention but in a more socially acceptable way. Both behaviors lead to the same reinforcement, which is crucial for encouraging a shift from less desirable behaviors to more desirable ones. This approach is key in behavior modification, as it allows individuals to learn new, functional behaviors while still receiving the reinforcement they desire, ultimately improving their ability to cope and interact in a socially acceptable manner. By ensuring these alternatives yield the same reinforcer, practitioners can effectively facilitate behavior change without removing the individual’s motivation.