NYSTCE Students With Disabilities Practice Test

If Mr. Tower chooses to engage with Tyrone during class instead of ignoring him, what is he changing?

1. An intervention plan

2. The antecedent of the behavior

3. Behavior itself

4. The reinforcement of the behavior

The correct answer is: The reinforcement of the behavior

The choice indicating that Mr. Tower is changing the reinforcement of the behavior is aligned with the concept of how interactions can impact student behavior. When Mr. Tower engages with Tyrone during class, he is likely providing attention, which can serve as a form of positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement tends to increase the likelihood that a behavior will occur again in the future. If Mr. Tower previously ignored Tyrone, Tyrone may have been more inclined to act out or seek attention through inappropriate behaviors. By choosing to interact with him, Mr. Tower alters the dynamics of reinforcement in play; rather than ignoring harmful behaviors, he addresses them, which can ultimately lead to a reduction in those negative behaviors and promote more positive engagement. This action does not change the antecedent, which refers to what happens before a behavior and is related to the context or conditions under which the behavior occurs. Additionally, while the act of engaging may influence the behavior itself, the framing of the question suggests a focus on the manner in which Mr. Tower’s interaction provides reinforcement, making this the more accurate response.