Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

What term describes the behavior that closely resembles the desired end behavior?

1. Initial Behavior

2. Terminal Behavior

3. Intermediate Behavior

4. Successive Approximations

The correct answer is: Intermediate Behavior

The term that describes the behavior that closely resembles the desired end behavior is known as "Successive Approximations." This concept is integral to the shaping process in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In shaping, a behavior is progressively reinforced as it comes closer to the desired final behavior or skill. When using successive approximations, you reinforce behaviors that are progressively more similar to the terminal behavior, which is the ultimate goal of the intervention or training. This process allows for gradual learning, where small steps toward the desired behavior are acknowledged and reinforced. As a result, the individual can achieve complex and specific behaviors over time. The other terms pertain to different aspects of behavior analysis. "Initial behavior" refers to the starting behavior that the individual currently exhibits before any intervention. "Terminal behavior" is the final goal behavior that the treatment is aiming to establish. "Intermediate behavior" usually refers to behaviors that are between the initial and terminal behaviors but are not as closely related to the final goal as successive approximations. Thus, identifying successive approximations as the term that represents behaviors closely resembling the desired end behavior aligns effectively with the principles of shaping in ABA.