What is DTT?

Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a structured, table-top ABA technique that breaks skills down into small, "discrete" components. It was popularized by Dr. Lovaas.

For your RBT practice test, you MUST memorize the 5 parts of a Discrete Trial:

  1. SD (Discriminative Stimulus): The instruction (e.g., "Touch Red").
  2. Prompt: (Optional) Assistance to help them answer (e.g., Pointing to Red).
  3. Response: What the client does.
  4. Consequence: Reinforcement (for correct) or Correction (for incorrect).
  5. Inter-Trial Interval (ITI): The brief pause (3-5 seconds) before the next trial starts.

Why Use DTT?

It allows for High Repetition. You can run 50 trials of color identification in 10 minutes. This is great for rapid skill acquisition in new learners.

RBT Practice Exam Scenario

Question: "Which part of the discrete trial signals that reinforcement is available?"
Answer: The SD (Discriminative Stimulus).

Frequently Asked Questions About DTT

What is the ITI?

Inter-Trial Interval. The pause between trials. It marks the end of one trial and the start of the next.

Is DTT the only way to do ABA?

No! It is just one tool. ABA also includes Natural Environment Training (NET).

What is the main criticism of DTT?

Ideally, skills learned in DTT do not always Generalize to the real world nicely. Children might sound "robotic."

When should the prompt occur?

Immediately after the SD and before the Response. (SD -> Prompt -> Response).