Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

When a child exhibits multiple behaviors to escape a task, what is this known as?

1. Behavior chain

2. Functional response class

3. Response generalization

4. Behavioral extinction

The correct answer is: Functional response class

The correct answer, identifying the concept of a "functional response class," highlights a critical principle in behavior analysis. A functional response class encompasses a group of behaviors that serve the same purpose or function for the individual. In this case, the child's various behaviors aimed at escaping a task demonstrate that these behaviors are functionally related, as they all fulfill the same need: to avoid or escape the task. Understanding that multiple behaviors can serve the same function is essential for effective intervention. For instance, if a child screams, throws objects, or acts out in response to a task they're trying to escape, recognizing these as part of a functional response class informs the BCBA to target the function (in this case, escape) rather than just individual behaviors. This knowledge leads to more effective strategies, such as modifying the task demand or teaching the child more appropriate ways to communicate their need for a break. In contrast, other concepts like behavior chains, response generalization, and behavioral extinction address different aspects of behavior and their functions. Behavior chains involve a sequence of responses, response generalization refers to the occurrence of similar responses across different contexts, and behavioral extinction concerns the reduction of a behavior when it's no longer reinforced. None of these concepts align with the scenario of a child