Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

In the context of behavior analysis, the correct symbol for a negative reinforcer is represented as NR- (Negative Reinforcement). Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an aversive stimulus following a behavior, resulting in an increase in the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future.

The symbol NR- indicates the concept of negative reinforcement by highlighting that it is a reinforcer derived from the subtraction or removal of something unpleasant. This is essential for understanding how behaviors can be strengthened through the elimination of negative stimuli.

The other symbols, while related to reinforcement and conditioning, do not accurately depict negative reinforcement. For instance, SR+ represents a positive reinforcer, which pertains to the introduction of a pleasant stimulus to encourage a behavior. NR+ would suggest a positive approach to negative reinforcement, which is not a recognized concept in this context. SR- would be associated with a situation where a pleasant stimulus is removed, which is not what negative reinforcement entails. Therefore, NR- is the accurate representation of a negative reinforcer.