LMSW Practice Test

Placing a disruptive child away from activities for a predetermined, short period is an example of

1. negative reinforcement

2. positive reinforcement

3. time-out strategy

4. vicarious reinforcement

The correct answer is: time-out strategy

The concept of using a time-out strategy involves removing a child from a situation where their behavior is disruptive, allowing them to calm down and reflect on their actions without the surrounding stimuli. This approach provides a clear boundary and helps the child understand that there are consequences for their disruptive behavior. Time-outs are typically brief and serve as an opportunity for the child to regain self-control. The objective is not to punish but to provide a structured way for the child to step away from the activity and return with a better disposition. This aligns well with developmental and behavioral theories that aim to support self-regulation in children. The other concepts, while related to behavior management, do not fit this specific scenario. Negative reinforcement involves removing a negative condition to increase a desired behavior, positive reinforcement adds a favorable outcome to encourage a behavior, and vicarious reinforcement pertains to learning observed through others' experiences rather than direct experience. Each of these approaches addresses behavior differently than the time-out strategy does.