Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

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What is the function of a punisher?

A stimulus presented or removed that increases behavior
A stimulus presented or removed that decreases behavior
A tool to enhance desired behaviors
A method to reinforce positive behavior

The correct answer is: A stimulus presented or removed that decreases behavior

The function of a punisher is to decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring again in the future. When a punisher is introduced, it can either be in the form of a stimulus that is presented (positive punishment) or a stimulus that is removed (negative punishment). The key element is that the consequence, whether it involves adding an unpleasant stimulus or taking away a pleasant one, leads to a reduction in the frequency of the undesirable behavior. In the context of behavior analysis, using a punisher effectively requires an understanding of how it interacts with the behaviors it aims to influence. Thus, the goal of applying a punisher is to effectively decrease inappropriate or harmful behaviors, promoting a more adaptive range of actions instead.