Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

What is the purpose of escape behavior in behavior modification?

1. To avoid positive reinforcement

2. To seek out social interaction

3. To terminate an ongoing aversive stimulus

4. To reinforce other behaviors

The correct answer is: To terminate an ongoing aversive stimulus

Escape behavior in behavior modification is primarily aimed at terminating an ongoing aversive stimulus. This type of behavior occurs when an individual engages in actions or behaviors that help them evade or reduce exposure to situations or stimuli that they find unpleasant or uncomfortable. In the context of behavior modification, understanding escape behavior is crucial because it highlights how certain responses can be reinforced when they effectively help an individual remove themselves from distressing circumstances. In practical terms, when a person engages in escape behaviors, they often receive immediate relief from the aversive situation, which strengthens this behavior in the future. This shows the power of negative reinforcement—since the removal of the aversive stimulus increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Knowing this helps therapists and practitioners design interventions that can either reduce reliance on escape behaviors or teach more adaptive coping strategies. The other options do not accurately depict the primary function of escape behavior. For instance, escaping to avoid positive reinforcement does not align with the typical purpose of such behaviors, as they are generally designed to mitigate discomfort rather than seek rewards. Similarly, seeking social interaction does not encapsulate the essence of escape behavior, which is more about avoiding negative experiences. Lastly, while behaviors can indeed reinforce others, escape behavior specifically targets the cessation of negative