Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

What characterizes a conditioned reinforcer?

1. A stimulus that directly increases behavior

2. A stimulus that is aversive in nature

3. A neutral stimulus that acquires reinforcing properties through pairing

4. A stimulus that decreases the frequency of a behavior

The correct answer is: A neutral stimulus that acquires reinforcing properties through pairing

A conditioned reinforcer is characterized by being a neutral stimulus that acquires reinforcing properties through pairing with an unconditioned reinforcer or another conditioned reinforcer. This means that the stimulus initially does not have any inherent value in itself for reinforcing behavior, but through association, it gains the ability to influence behavior positively by increasing the likelihood of a specific response. For instance, the sound of a bell may initially be a neutral stimulus. However, if the sound of the bell is consistently paired with the delivery of food (an unconditioned reinforcer that naturally increases behavior), the bell eventually becomes a conditioned reinforcer. When the bell rings in the future, it alone is capable of increasing the likelihood of the behavior that led to food being provided. The other options relate to types of stimuli that do not accurately describe a conditioned reinforcer. A direct increase in behavior pertains to unconditioned reinforcers, while aversive stimuli are associated with negative outcomes. Lastly, a stimulus that decreases behavior is characteristic of a punisher, which is distinctly different from a reinforcer.