Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

Which term describes the procedure of providing a task as a form of repercussion for inappropriate behavior?

1. Restitution

2. Over-correction

3. Reinforcement

4. Time-out

The correct answer is: Over-correction

The procedure of providing a task as a form of repercussion for inappropriate behavior is accurately described by the term over-correction. Over-correction is a behavior modification technique that involves prompting an individual to correct an inappropriate behavior by engaging in a task that is often more demanding or effortful than the initial behavior. This often involves restitution or restoration tasks, where the individual must repair the damage caused by their behavior or engage in an exaggerated version of the correct behavior. For example, if a child spills something due to misbehavior, they might be asked to not only clean it up but also to perform additional cleanup tasks elsewhere in the environment. This approach serves not only to rectify the behavior by requiring accountability but also encourages learning and reinforces appropriate behaviors in the future. Over-correction is an effective technique because it emphasizes the consequences of the inappropriate behavior while promoting responsibility and skill development. In comparison, the other terms listed refer to different concepts in behavior management that do not specifically include the task-oriented requirement associated with over-correction. Reinforcement pertains to the process of increasing the likelihood of a behavior by following it with a consequence that is favorable, while time-out refers to a procedure where an individual is removed from a reinforcing situation following inappropriate behavior, and restitution focuses