Accuracy of measurement refers to the extent to which.
Options are :
- the data have high interobserver agreement.
- precise values can be depicted in a graph to show behavior change.
- the person collecting the data reports that it is accurate.
- the data match the true values of the events or behavior measured.
Answer : the data match the true values of the events or behavior measured.
Reinforcing "picking up shoe" in a shoe-tying program would be an example of a step in which type of training procedure?
Options are :
- naturalistic
- chaining
- shaping
- discrete trial
Answer : chaining
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 5
When using time-out in a classroom, which concern is the MOST important to consider?
Options are :
- The limited potential for abuse of the technique.
- Escape behavior could be punished.
- The social validity of time-out.
- Removal from the classroom may decrease learning opportunities.
Answer : Removal from the classroom may decrease learning opportunities.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 7
In an attempt to promote verbal behavior in her child with developmental delays, a mother is following recommendations to wait for her child to spontaneously make the corresponding vocal response before providing her with the following: cookies, juice, help, M&Ms, chips, milk, sandwich, and "more." The verbal response the mother is attempting to promote is:
Options are :
- a tact.
- an echoic.
- a mand.
- an intraverbal.
Answer : a mand.
Experimental control is demonstrated in a changing criterion design by a change in behavior:
Options are :
- when returning to baseline.
- across individuals.
- across settings.
- to meet predetermined levels.
Answer : to meet predetermined levels.
Intraverbal behavior is controlled by A.
Options are :
- verbal stimulus; the behavior does not match that stimulus; and the reinforcer is non-specific.
- verbal stimulus; the behavior does not match that stimulus; and the reinforcer is specific.
- verbal stimulus; the behavior matches that stimulus; and the reinforcer is non-specific.
- verbal stimulus; the behavior matches that stimulus; and the reinforcer is specific.
Answer : verbal stimulus; the behavior does not match that stimulus; and the reinforcer is non-specific.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 9
Two responses (such as putting on a sweater and lighting a fire) that produce the same result describe.
Options are :
- the matching law.
- stimulus generalization.
- functional equivalence.
- response generalization.
Answer : functional equivalence.
A functional relationship exists only if.
Options are :
- changes in a stimulus class consistently alter a property of a response class.
- changes in a response class produce a functional consequence.
- reinforcement is contingent upon responding.
- a stimulus elicits a response without previous conditioning.
Answer : changes in a stimulus class consistently alter a property of a response class.
In this graph, what is plotted on number 1?
Options are :
- independent variable
- session
- setting
- dependent variable
Answer : dependent variable
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 7
Three boys with autism, ages 7?10 years old, served as participants in a study. During baseline, staff used response blocking when five instances of aggression or head-banging occurred within 10 seconds, until attempts ceased for 1 minute. During baseline and treatment, each occurrence of aggression and head-banging was recorded daily and converted to the number of responses per hour. Treatment comprised a differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI) schedule coupled with response blocking after every head-banging or aggression. The staff initially applied the treatment to head-banging, while continuing to take a baseline on aggression. After noting treatment effects on head-banging, the staff then applied the treatment to aggression. In this scenario, how was direct replication shown?
Options are :
- A baseline condition was implemented.
- A changing criterion design was used wherein the criterion for reinforcement was gradually
changed over time.
- The intervention was implemented in a staggered fashion across target behaviors after the initial
baseline.
- Baseline and intervention conditions were included.
Answer : The intervention was implemented in a staggered fashion across target behaviors after the initial
baseline.
What best defines a discriminative stimulus?
Options are :
- It is defined by its effect on behavior.
- It is any change in the environment.
- It always elicits a response.
- It is established using either operant or respondent procedures.
Answer : It is defined by its effect on behavior.
When providing behavior analytic services to a child in a school setting, a behavior analyst should
Options are :
- enlist the support of other members of the interdisciplinary team.
- solicit treatment recommendations from other team members.
- work independently while completing the functional assessment.
- avoid collaborating with providers who use non-scientifically validated procedures.
Answer : enlist the support of other members of the interdisciplinary team.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 8
A child with food refusal behaviors accepts one bite out of the ten bites that her caregiver offered. What measure should be used to record this behavior?
Options are :
- trials to criterion
- percent of occurrence
- duration
- latency
Answer : percent of occurrence
Deane's friend takes her to the mall every week. She frequently hugs people whom she does not know. The behavior analyst wants to use an intervention that includes reinforcement of appropriate behavior when Deane does something other than hugging. Which intervention would be MOST appropriate?
Options are :
- Teach her friend to provide reinforcement when Deane greets others appropriately.
- The behavior analyst goes to the mall and gives tokens to Deane for appropriate interactions.
- Teach her friend to hug Deane when she appropriately interacts with others.
- Teach her friend to provide tokens for appropriate interactions.
Answer : Teach her friend to provide reinforcement when Deane greets others appropriately.
Data were collected on the percentage of intervals at the end of which Thomas was present at his workstation. Which is the BEST method for displaying these data?
Options are :
- cumulative record
- standard behavior (semilogarithmic) chart
- equal-interval line graph
- scatterplot
Answer : equal-interval line graph
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 9
In order to decrease the occurrence of an inappropriate behavior effectively, a behavior analyst should simultaneously increase.
Options are :
- response effort for incompatible behaviors.
- consequences for inappropriate behavior.
- acceptable alternative behaviors.
- reinforcement for all other behaviors.
Answer : acceptable alternative behaviors.
For promoting maintenance, which approach is MOST appropriate?
Options are :
- Implement a token economy including point gains and point losses for use in both the training
setting and the natural environment.
- Discontinue the schedule of reinforcement used in the training environment.
- Continually reinforce the behavior in the natural environment.
- Use a reinforcement schedule that most closely approximates the schedule in the natural
environment.
Answer : Use a reinforcement schedule that most closely approximates the schedule in the natural
environment.
All of the following are examples of the use of setting events EXCEPT:
Options are :
- planning to ignore the target behavior within all environments.
- giving consumers choices of which tasks they would like to perform and which reinforcers they
would like to receive.
- prefacing hard tasks with easy tasks.
- moving activities to locations where maladaptive behaviors are highly unlikely to occur.
Answer : planning to ignore the target behavior within all environments.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 8
A parent reports that her 2-year-old daughter uses a number of stalling techniques to avoid bedtime once she is told to go to bed. What would be a good progress measure for going to bed when told?
Options are :
- frequency
- inter-response time
- compliance
- latency
Answer : latency
Joe describes himself as being addicted to video games. He is told that if he does not complete his chores, he will lose access to his computer. On Monday, he refuses to complete his chores and he loses access to his computer for 2 days. From Tuesday on, Joe's refusals cease. The change in Joe's behavior is MOST likely to be the result of.
Options are :
- negative punishment.
- an aversive procedure.
- compliance training.
- contingency contracting.
Answer : negative punishment.
When given free access to playing with blocks, crayons, and trucks, Jeff plays with blocks about 50% of the time, plays with crayons about 30% of the time, and plays with trucks the remaining 20% of the time. According to the Premack principle, which of the following is true?
Options are :
- Playing with crayons will serve as a reinforcer for playing with trucks.
- Playing with crayons will serve as a reinforcer for playing with blocks.
- Playing with trucks will serve as a reinforcer for playing with blocks.
- Playing with trucks will serve as a reinforcer for playing with crayons.
Answer : Playing with crayons will serve as a reinforcer for playing with trucks.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 9
To change the occurrence of hitting others, two procedures were compareD. differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior and time-out. The outcomes were examined within and across subjects. A withdrawal design was employed. An independent variable in this study was:
Options are :
- frequency across phase changes.
- aggression.
- return to baseline.
- time-out from reinforcement.
Answer : time-out from reinforcement.
The use of an alternating treatments design should be considered if.
Options are :
- one needs to evaluate the effects of a single intervention across multiple settings.
- the results of multiple reversal designs are ambiguous.
- there is the possibility that the effect of one intervention will influence the effect of another.
- it is important that multiple interventions be evaluated quickly.
Answer : it is important that multiple interventions be evaluated quickly.
If B is behavior, R is reinforcement, and 1 and 2 are the alternatives of a concurrent schedule, then would imply that the:
Options are :
- organism will respond exclusively to the alternative with the highest rate of reinforcement.
- number of responses will match the number of reinforcers obtained.
- proportion of responses across the two alternatives will equal the proportion of reinforcers
obtained for those alternatives.
- proportion of responses for each alternative will become equal over time.
Answer : proportion of responses across the two alternatives will equal the proportion of reinforcers
obtained for those alternatives.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 9
Which of the following could NOT function as an unconditioned punisher?
Options are :
- social disapproval
- physical restraint
- excessive stimulation
- a bitter taste
Answer : social disapproval
One of the MOST important reasons for writing a precise definition of behavior is that a precise definition:
Options are :
- makes calibration checks of observers or measurement equipment less necessary.
- increases the likelihood that the behavior of interest will be reliably detected by observers or
measurement equipment.
- produces greater interobserver agreement and requires less training time for observers.
- allows for easier and more reliable quantification of temporal locus and temporal extent.
Answer : increases the likelihood that the behavior of interest will be reliably detected by observers or
measurement equipment.
One limitation of descriptive analysis is that it:
Options are :
- does not allow the behavior analyst the opportunity to measure, record, and interpret the data on
the target behavior.
- provides a less than adequate description of the topography and intensity of behavior.
- violates the individual's right to privacy.
- does not permit the precise determination of functional relationships.
Answer : does not permit the precise determination of functional relationships.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 6
Harley tells a variety of offensive and inoffensive jokes to coworkers at lunchtime who laugh at all of the jokes, telling Harley that he's funny. When Harley tells jokes at the evening meal to housemates, they complain to Harley about the offensive jokes. If the behavior analyst wants the evening meal with housemates to become an S for Harley's offensive joke-telling, she should instruct Harleys'?
Options are :
- coworkers to provide attention for Harley's inoffensive joke-telling.
- housemates to provide attention for Harley's inoffensive joke-telling.
- housemates to provide no attention for Harley's offensive joke-telling.
- coworkers to provide no attention for Harley's offensive joke-telling.
Answer : housemates to provide no attention for Harley's offensive joke-telling.
An approach to reducing problem behavior called __________ involves providing reinforcers on a (n) __________ schedule regardless of the occurrence of the problem behavior.
Options are :
- differential reinforcement; interval
- noncontingent reinforcement; interval
- differential reinforcement; ratio
- noncontingent reinforcement; ratio
Answer : noncontingent reinforcement; interval
When given by a thirsty person in response to the question, "What do you want to drink?" the spoken word "water" is functioning as a (n):
Options are :
- intraverbal.
- codic.
- mand.
- tact.
Answer : mand.
A teacher tells students that completing assignments will help them to do well on the exam. How can the teacher ensure that this will be an effective rule?
Options are :
- Provide assignments that are closely related to the material on the exam.
- Provide various reinforcers for those who complete the assignments.
- Provide various reinforcers for those who do well on the exam.
- Provide a review session covering the assignments prior to the exam.
Answer : Provide assignments that are closely related to the material on the exam.
During the hour immediately following meals, Bill asks for more food. Data are collected only during this hour after each meal. Which method of data collection would be MOST accurate?
Options are :
- duration recording
- frequency recording
- partial-interval recording
- narrative recording
Answer : frequency recording
A narrative recording is used to clearly determine all of the following EXCEPT:
Options are :
- topography of undesirable behavior.
- presence of a particular behavior.
- duration of a behavior.
- function of a behavior.
Answer : function of a behavior.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 9
The teachers have identified bullying as a problem behavior for a particular student. What should the behavior analyst do next?
Options are :
- Conduct a functional analysis of bullying.
- Raise awareness of the impact of bullying by holding a school-wide discussion.
- Collect information about the frequency and duration of the behavior.
- Develop an operational definition of the behavior.
Answer : Develop an operational definition of the behavior.
Post-reinforcement pause is MOST characteristic of which schedule?
Options are :
- variable ratio
- fixed ratio
- continuous reinforcement
- variable interval
Answer : fixed ratio
Margarita exhibited the following counts of maladaptive behaviors. The previously implemented procedure to help her (Procedure A) was discontinued on 10/5 and the present procedure (Procedure B) was implemented. Procedures were implemented 2 times per day (once in the morning and once in the evening) for 20 minutes per session. The AM and PM data for each procedure were graphed separately. What can be inferred from the data?
Options are :
- The data for Procedure A show the desired change in behavior.
- The data for Procedure A suggest that it is more effective than Procedure B.
- The data across Procedure A and Procedure B show no change or trend.
- The data for Procedure A show an increasing trend.
Answer : The data for Procedure A show an increasing trend.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 7
To address hitting others, two procedures were compared. differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior and time-out. The outcomes were examined within and across subjects. A withdrawal design was employed. The BEST response measure to use in this study is frequency of.
Options are :
- reinforcer delivery.
- being sent to time-out.
- hitting others.
- the incompatible behavior.
Answer : reinforcer delivery.
Which procedure is used in fading physical prompts?
Options are :
- graduated guidance
- least-to-most prompting
- forward chaining
- backward chaining
Answer : graduated guidance
John's instructional program has successfully increased the number of words he reads correctly per minute. The procedures used include special worksheets, contingent reinforcement for number of words read correctly, and peer tutoring. The behavior analyst wants to determine which part or parts of the treatment have been effective, so he systematically dismantles the treatment and withdraws elements until the reading no longer improves. The behavior analyst is completing A.
Options are :
- component analysis.
- parametric examination.
- reversal design.
- multi-element design.
Answer : component analysis.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 7
Available resources, applicable federal and state laws, programmatic costs, and a person's adaptive skills, learning history, and personal interests should all be considered as part of the process of.
Options are :
- manipulating ecological factors.
- prioritizing goals and objectives.
- conducting a baseline of target behaviors.
- collecting empirical data.
Answer : prioritizing goals and objectives.
The systematic presentation and examination of information in an ABC format, where A represents the antecedent stimuli, B represents the behavior, and C represents the consequences following the behavior, is called.
Options are :
- a descriptive assessment.
- a response analysis.
- a functional analysis.
- a consequence analysis.
Answer : a descriptive assessment.
During three 30-minute observations, Linda gouged her eye 8, 17, and 12 times, respectively. Each incident lasted between 1 and 3 seconds, with an average duration of 1.3 seconds. Which is the BEST dimension to continue to measure?
Options are :
- inter-response time
- latency
- rate
- duration
Answer : rate
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 9
An establishing operation is any change in the environment which.
Options are :
- alters the effectiveness of some object or event as a contingency-shaped rule and at the same
time changes the momentary frequency of the behavior that was previously followed by
reinforcement.
- momentarily alters the effectiveness of the consequence for a behavior that was previously
followed by reinforcement.
- alters the effectiveness of some object or event as reinforcement thus momentarily changing the
likelihood of behavior that was previously followed by that reinforcer.
- alters the timing of a behavior and momentarily alters the frequency of the behavior that was
previously followed by reinforcement.
Answer : alters the effectiveness of some object or event as reinforcement thus momentarily changing the
likelihood of behavior that was previously followed by that reinforcer.
Andrea has limited speech abilities. She has been attending speech therapy and is required to perform speech exercises at home. Other than her training sessions, Andrea chooses to remain essentially non-verbal. One evening, Andrea's sister called to invite Andrea on an outing. Andrea listened to her sister's invitation over the phone and nodded in excitement. Andrea's mother pointed out that her sister could not see her through the phone and that Andrea would need to speak so that her sister would know if she wanted to go. Andrea then said, "Yes, I want." This is a form of.
Options are :
- contextual manipulation.
- incidental teaching.
- direct instruction.
- whole task training.
Answer : incidental teaching.
A behavior analyst is asked to consult about a 10-year-old child who gets out of his seat during class at least once every 15 minutes. The behavior analyst wants the teacher to collect data on the child?s on-task behavior. Given that the teacher works alone in the classroom with 30 children, the BEST procedure to employ would be.
Options are :
- interval recording.
- time sampling.
- latency recording.
- duration recording.
Answer : time sampling.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 8
Mary Lee has been working on compliance. Given the same mand, in a 15-min. segment, Mary Lee complied with her teacher 4/5 times, her speech therapist, physical education teacher and mother 2/5 times. Six months later, given the same mand, in a 15-min. segment, Mary Lee complied with the bus driver 4/5 times, her physical therapist 4/5 times, the lunch lady 4/5 times and the vice-principal 4/5 times. This scenario is an example of.
Options are :
- stimulus discrimination.
- response generalization.
- stimulus equivalence.
- stimulus generalization.
Answer : stimulus generalization.
Which situation is the BEST example of contingency-shaped behavior?
Options are :
- Billy?s mother tells him not to touch the stove because he could burn himself. Billy does not touch
the stove.
- A task analysis is used to teach Lilly how to clean her room.
- Jennifer sees a candy bar and she mands for it. Jennifer?s sister gives her the candy bar and she
eats it.
- Dean is able to change the scale on a computerized graph after reading ?how to? instructions.
- None
Answer : Jennifer sees a candy bar and she mands for it. Jennifer?s sister gives her the candy bar and she
eats it.
What could be done to clarify the differentiation in the frequency of aggression among the environments shown in this graph?
Options are :
- Record data for an entire week.
- Use an equal interval graph.
- Change the vertical axis so that the range is zero to twenty.
- Include more environments along the horizontal axis.
Answer : Change the vertical axis so that the range is zero to twenty.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 5
In order to promote generalization in intensive teaching, the behavior analyst should.
Options are :
- teach in the same environment.
- use the same SD.
- use few exemplars.
- teach loosely.
Answer : teach loosely.
Which of the following scenarios involves a behavioral contingency?
Options are :
- James ate dinner tonight and came down with indigestion.
- When asked to do her tasks, Doris said, "I will not do that!"
- Susan hit her head on the wall, and a staff person asked her to stop.
- While throwing a chair, Linda bit her tongue.
Answer : Susan hit her head on the wall, and a staff person asked her to stop.
Which of the following is NOT a consideration when evaluating extinction as a possible intervention?
Options are :
- feasibility of eliminating reinforcement
- eliminating the opportunity for the occurrence of the target behavior
- plan for an initial increase in the target behavior
- correct determination of the reinforcer
Answer : eliminating the opportunity for the occurrence of the target behavior
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 9
When Susan attempts to escape from a task, she exhibits several behaviors, including hitting her head, stomping her feet, and crying. This is an example of A.
Options are :
- stimulus class.
- respondent class.
- functional response class.
- topographical response class.
Answer : functional response class.
A behavior analyst is asked to provide direct services requiring daily 1:1 interaction with a teenaged client. The client does not speak but can communicate fluently using sign language. The behavior analyst knows some sign language but is not fluent. The BEST approach to this situation would be to
Options are :
- refer the family to a behavior analyst fluent in sign language.
- attend a workshop in sign language prior to beginning service.
- hire a sign language interpreter to attend the sessions.
- explain his level of competence in sign language to the family before beginning service.
Answer : refer the family to a behavior analyst fluent in sign language.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 9
A behavior analyst develops a program that decreases a baby's crying when her diaper is soiled. This is an example of
Options are :
- development of a procedure to decrease maladaptive behaviors.
- extinction.
- differential reinforcement of alternative responses.
- misuse of a practitioner's ability to control behavior.
Answer : misuse of a practitioner's ability to control behavior.
Mitch, a 17-year-old with intellectual disabilities, has made great progress on toileting and handwashing skills at school. Ethically, which procedure would be the MOST appropriate?
Options are :
- If all steps to toileting and hand-washing are completed successfully, the teacher gives Mitch a
smile and notes the frequency on a chart at her desk.
- Upon successful completion of toileting and hand-washing, the teacher announces, "Good
toileting, Mitch," and marks the success on a wall chart.
- If Mitch makes errors on toileting and hand-washing tasks, a positive practice procedure is
implemented.
- Every time Mitch uses the washroom, an aide stands at the door, records the task analysis steps
successfully completed, and posts the results on the bathroom door.
Answer : If all steps to toileting and hand-washing are completed successfully, the teacher gives Mitch a
smile and notes the frequency on a chart at her desk.
From an ethical standpoint, evaluation of treatment outcomes should occur through
Options are :
- discussion with the interdisciplinary team.
- direct measurement of the individual's behavior.
- a system based on randomly monitoring program outcomes.
- continuous evaluation of program integrity.
Answer : direct measurement of the individual's behavior.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 3
Three boys with autism, ages 7?10 years old, served as participants in a study. During baseline, staff used response blocking when five instances of aggression or head-banging occurred within 10 seconds, until attempts ceased for 1 minute. During baseline and treatment, each occurrence of aggression and head-banging was recorded daily and converted to the number of responses per hour. Treatment comprised a differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI) schedule coupled with response blocking after every head-banging or aggression. The staff initially applied the treatment to head-banging, while continuing to take a baseline on aggression. After noting treatment effects on head-banging, the staff then applied the treatment to aggression. What is the independent variable?
Options are :
- rate of the incompatible behavior
- DRI schedule and response blocking
- DRI schedule with instruction on the incompatible behavior
- number of head-bangs and aggressions per hour
Answer : DRI schedule and response blocking
One of the properties of behavior is
Options are :
- universality.
- repeatability.
- size.
- effectiveness.
Answer : repeatability.
Echoic behavior is controlled by a
Options are :
- verbal stimulus, the response does not match that stimulus, and reinforcer is non-specific.
- non-verbal stimulus, the response matches that stimulus, and reinforcer is specific.
- verbal stimulus, the response matches that stimulus, and reinforcer is non-specific.
- verbal stimulus, the response matches that stimulus, and reinforcer is specific.
Answer : verbal stimulus, the response matches that stimulus, and reinforcer is non-specific.
BCABA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam Set 9
Tact behavior is controlled by a ________ stimulus. The reinforcer for tact behavior is _____.
Options are :
- verbal; specific
- verbal; non-specific
- non-verbal; non-specific
- non-verbal; specific
Answer : verbal; non-specific
A stimulus is defined as
Options are :
- a change in the environment that can affect behavior.
- any environmental event exclusive of private events.
- a change in the environment that elicits a response with or without prior conditioning.
- a change in behavior brought about by alterations of the physical environment.
Answer : a change in the environment that can affect behavior.
A functional relationship is said to exist when two events
Options are :
- occur simultaneously.
- are similar in content.
- consistently co-vary.
- occur at the same rate.
Answer : consistently co-vary.
The defining feature of operant conditioning, as contrasted with respondent conditioning, is that
the probability of behavior in operant conditioning is changed because of
Options are :
- stimulus pairing.
- changes in consequences.
- environmental changes.
- conditioning history.
Answer : changes in consequences.
A behavior analyst develops a program that decreases a baby's crying when her diaper is soiled.
This is an example of
Options are :
- development of a procedure to decrease maladaptive behaviors.
- differential reinforcement of alternative responses.
- misuse of a practitioner's ability to control behavior.
- extinction.
Answer : misuse of a practitioner's ability to control behavior.
The most appropriate tool for performing a behavior pattern analysis is a (n):
Options are :
- ABC form.
- narrative recording.
- scatterplot.
- daily schedule.
Answer : scatterplot.
Angela nurses her newborn infant when he cries. Rates of crying increase. The presentation of the
milk functions as a(n)
Options are :
- unconditioned reinforcer.
- establishing operation.
- discriminative stimulus.
- conditioned reinforcer.
Answer : unconditioned reinforcer.
In the past, Parnelli consistently drove at high speeds on city streets. However, he was pulled over
and had to immediately pay a very expensive fine. Afterward, Parnelli very seldom drove at high
rates of speed. Which of the following might account for the effect of the lost money resulting from
paying the fine?
Options are :
- negative reinforcement
- negative punishment
- escape conditioning
- positive punishment
Answer : negative punishment
One of the properties of behavior is
Options are :
- universality.
- repeatability.
- size.
- effectiveness.
Answer : repeatability.
A behavior analyst is asked to provide direct services requiring daily 1:1 interaction with a teenaged
client. The client does not speak but can communicate fluently using sign language. The
behavior analyst knows some sign language but is not fluent. The BEST approach to this situation
would be to
Options are :
- attend a workshop in sign language prior to beginning service.
- hire a sign language interpreter to attend the sessions.
- refer the family to a behavior analyst fluent in sign language.
- explain his level of competence in sign language to the family before beginning service.
Answer : refer the family to a behavior analyst fluent in sign language.
Echoic behavior is controlled by a
Options are :
- non-verbal stimulus, the response matches that stimulus, and reinforcer is specific.
- verbal stimulus, the response matches that stimulus, and reinforcer is specific.
- verbal stimulus, the response matches that stimulus, and reinforcer is non-specific.
- verbal stimulus, the response does not match that stimulus, and reinforcer is non-specific.
Answer : verbal stimulus, the response matches that stimulus, and reinforcer is non-specific.
Contingency-shaped behavior is:
Options are :
- based on phylogeny, whereas rule-governed behavior is based on ontogeny.
- more resistant to extinction than rule-governed behavior.
- established as the result of a person's experience.
- established as a function of relations among unconditioned stimuli, a response class, and
reinforcement.
Answer : established as the result of a person's experience.
Which is NOT a characteristic of applied behavior analysis?
Options are :
- precisely describing procedures and the rationales for using them
- describing behavior in a way that can be objectively measured
- reliably determining the variables that initially caused the behavior
- an emphasis on the current function of the behavior in question
Answer : reliably determining the variables that initially caused the behavior
Larry engages in self-injurious behavior which is maintained by automatic reinforcement. This
behavior results in abrasions on both of his arms as a result of intense scratching. The behavior
analyst decides to have Larry only wear long sleeved shirts as an initial effort to reduce the
behavior. This is an example of which type of procedure?
Options are :
- deprivation
- differential reinforcement
- extinction
- punishment
Answer : extinction
The Smiths' daughter, who has autism, has been receiving ABA services for one-and-a-half years
from Andrew, a behavior analyst. Andrew's experience and training is in special education.
Recently, the Smiths' other child has been behaving differently and they suspect that he may be
clinically depressed. The Smiths would like their son to receive services from Andrew because
their family is familiar with him and he has provided effective interventions for their daughter. The
Smiths ask Andrew to confirm their suspicions about their son. What should Andrew do?
Options are :
- Conduct a descriptive assessment and collect baseline data in order to develop an intervention.
- Refer the family to a colleague who has expertise in diagnosing mood disorders.
- Consult with colleagues who have expertise in treating mood disorders in order to design an
effective intervention.
- Remind the family that his area of expertise is special education and ABA.
Answer : Refer the family to a colleague who has expertise in diagnosing mood disorders.
A behavior analyst is conducting a communication training session with a child. The behavior
analyst says to the child, "Say your name." The child says, "Sarah." and the behavior analyst
delivers a reinforcer. What type of verbal operant was the behavior analyst's statement?
Options are :
Answer : mand
Terry notices that his heart rate increases and he begins to sweat when he enters the dentist's
office because the office is associated with painful, unpleasant dental work. He also is reluctant to
make appointments and seems to want to do anything else but go to the dentist. His physical
symptoms are an example of.
Options are :
- aversive conditioning.
- operant behavior.
- respondent behavior.
- escape conditioning.
Answer : respondent behavior.
Mr. Myers asks Susan what her favorite food is. Susan answers, "Spaghetti." This is an example
of a (n):
Options are :
- autoclitic.
- tact.
- intraverbal.
- mand.
Answer : intraverbal.
From an ethical standpoint, target behaviors and program goals should be selected
Options are :
- that most closely adhere to the standards of the community.
- by the consumer or their representative in consultation with an interdisciplinary team.
- by service providers and staff members who are knowledgeable of the consumer's needs.
- so that they ultimately facilitate transition to independent living.
Answer : by the consumer or their representative in consultation with an interdisciplinary team.
From an ethical standpoint, which source provides the MOST appropriate information for justifying
implementation of a program to change a person's behavior?
Options are :
- daily reports from the direct care staff who work with the person routinely
- graphed data from the program staff who observe the person regularly
- written recommendations from the medical staff who treat the person on a regular basis
- written requests from the administrative staff who are ultimately responsible for the person's care
Answer : graphed data from the program staff who observe the person regularly
Reviewing written documentation of a student's life and behavior is one method used for collecting
information when conducting A.
Options are :
- narrative recording.
- descriptive assessment.
- reinforcer assessment.
- functional analysis.
Answer : descriptive assessment.
Fred does not follow some of the directives imposed by the direct care staff. A behavior analyst
has been asked to put a program in place that will get Fred to comply with all directives. The
behavior analyst should FIRST
Options are :
- request that staff provide a ratio of compliant behaviors to noncompliant ones.
- determine a list of potential reinforcers for the behavior program.
- consider the ethical implications of training Fred to comply with all directives.
- differentiate between compliance rates across different directives.
Answer : consider the ethical implications of training Fred to comply with all directives.
Fiona cannot independently open her lunchbox. It is lunch time. The teacher closes the latch on
Fiona's lunchbox and places it in front of Fiona. The teacher has manipulated the
Options are :
- contingency.
- prompt.
- establishing operation.
- consequence.
Answer : establishing operation.
An extinction procedure involves:
Options are :
- withholding the maintaining reinforcer after the occurrence of the target behavior.
- removing all attention from the client when the target behavior occurs.
- withholding all reinforcement.
- removing the SD for the target behavior.
Answer : withholding the maintaining reinforcer after the occurrence of the target behavior.
When determining the specified time interval to prescribe at the start of a DRO intervention, which
of the following dimensions of the target behavior is MOST relevant?
Options are :
- duration
- latency
- inter-response time
- frequency
Answer : inter-response time
Which of the following measures would be the MOST appropriate for reporting head banging
during each 5-minute interval of work?
Options are :
- duration of head banging
- rate of head banging
- inter-response time
- latency from a request to the first response
Answer : rate of head banging
A person "getting wet" in the rain is NOT considered an occurrence of behavior because "getting
wet"
Options are :
- does not specify an interaction between an organism and its environment.
- does not have social or clinical significance in a science of human behavior.
- is a hypothetical construct and cannot therefore meet the criteria for an occurrence of behavior.
- can occur under only one, very specific environmental condition.
Answer : does not specify an interaction between an organism and its environment.
Tony is supervising a work crew at the post office. Every day, his clients are supposed to check
each waste bin and empty those that contain trash. Tony takes data on the number of waste bins
emptied by the crew. In order to report data in terms of percentage of occurrence Tony MUST also
know:
Options are :
- that some waste bins contained trash.
- This behavior is not amenable to percent of occurrence reporting.
- how many waste bins contained trash.
- how many waste bins were in the office.
Answer : how many waste bins contained trash.
Trials to criterion refers to a measure of
Options are :
- performance.
- rate of correct responding.
- fluency.
- interobserver agreement.
Answer : performance.
To definitively identify effective reinforcers for an individual, it is necessary to:
Options are :
- ascertain what reinforcers the individual has access to.
- interview people who know the individual well.
- complete a preference assessment.
- complete a reinforcer assessment.
Answer : complete a reinforcer assessment.
Which does NOT increase the effectiveness of punishment?
Options are :
- reinforcement frequency for alternative behavior
- availability of alternative responses
- intermittent delivery of the punisher
- inability to avoid the punisher
Answer : intermittent delivery of the punisher
A teacher is tracking the performance of both math and spelling assignments for each of her 25
students. For feedback purposes, she wishes to display each student's percent correct for both
areas using a line graph. What would be the MOST effective and efficient way to accomplish this?
Options are :
- Prepare a separate graph for each student and, using a unique symbol for each content area,
record the data and connect the similar symbols to create data path lines.
- Prepare two graphs for each student, one for spelling and one for math, because there is no appropriate method for reporting these two content areas together on the same graph.
- Prepare a single large graph and display each student's data for the spelling and math areas using
unique symbols for each student and for each content area.
- Prepare a large graph for spelling and a similar one for math and place on the graphs the average
data for the entire class in the two content areas.
Answer : Prepare a separate graph for each student and, using a unique symbol for each content area,
record the data and connect the similar symbols to create data path lines.
Holly is learning to use a spoon to feed herself. Applesauce is known to function as a reinforcer.
Her teacher has selected the following objective for Holly: "Given a spoon and a 3-ounce dish of
applesauce, Holly will independently scoop the applesauce to her mouth." This objective is
incomplete. Which component is missing?
Options are :
- standard of performance
- consequence condition
- prerequisite skill criteria
- antecedent stimulus
Answer : standard of performance
Jim is preparing his doctoral dissertation in applied behavior analysis for publication in a scientific
journal. The editors, in their instructions sent to authors, have indicated that all of the procedures
employed in the study must be thoroughly described in order for the article to be accepted. Which
dimension of applied behavior analysis BEST supports this requirement?
Options are :
- analytic
- technological
- behavioral
- conceptually systematic
Answer : technological
A 4-year-old child is lying in bed at night while the parents are sitting in the living room talking to
guests. The child begins to make loud noises. In the past, the parents have gone into the child's
room to quiet him. The parents and guests agree to ignore the child completely and continue to
talk. If the parents stick with this approach and the child stops making noises, the parents have
successfully used.
Options are :
- planned ignoring.
- extinction.
- time-out.
- negative reinforcement.
Answer : extinction.
Interventions designed to weaken a behavior should include.
Options are :
- reinforcement of behavior that is functionally equivalent to the behavior to be weakened.
- positive reinforcement of all behaviors other than the behavior to be weakened.
- intermittent punishment of the behavior to be weakened.
- negative reinforcement of the behavior to be weakened.
Answer : reinforcement of behavior that is functionally equivalent to the behavior to be weakened.
The best method for identifying potential reinforcers is to use.
Options are :
- reinforcer inventories or checklists.
- in vivo observation.
- paired choice procedures.
- peer identified reinforcer preferences.
Answer : paired choice procedures.
A behavior analyst for a local group home has a case involving a person who engages in spitting.
First, the behavior analyst conducts a functional assessment and takes a week of baseline data.
An intervention is designed and tested for two weeks. The behavior analyst then implements a
brief return to baseline, followed by a return to the intervention. This process is primarily an
example of which fundamental characteristic of behavior analysis?
Options are :
- parsimony
- technological
- empiricism
- philosophic doubt
Answer : empiricism
What type of analysis should be conducted to determine the amount of a particular stimulus
provided on any given trial that will serve as an effective reinforcer?
Options are :
- behavior analysis
- component analysis
- parametric analysis
- functional analysis
Answer : parametric analysis
Robert has been referred because he is losing significant amounts of weight due to refusal of most
foods. What should the behavior analyst consider first?
Options are :
- ecological variables during mealtimes
- None
- meal content/texture of food
- caloric content of preferred foods
- possible medical conditions
Answer : possible medical conditions
Responses that are likely to allow access to new reinforcers or environments, produce generative
behavior, and compete with inappropriate responses are called.
Options are :
- component behaviors.
- prerequisite behaviors.
- behavioral cusps.
- normalized behaviors.
Answer : behavioral cusps.
Abigale is in her preschool classroom where she sees a toy named Elmo on a shelf and then says,
"Elmo." No one drew her attention to Elmo. This is an example of a (n):
Options are :
- tact.
- intraverbal.
- mand.
- autoclitic.
Answer : tact.
Which is the BEST description of the results obtained during the second session of the baseline
condition?
Options are :
- The behavior was stable.
- The behavior had an increasing trend.
- The level was low.
- The frequency was 7.
Answer : The frequency was 7.
Specifying the hand with which Linda eats, writes, and works is an example of.
Options are :
- response function.
- a stimulus class.
- response topography.
- an operant class.
Answer : response topography.
Missy has learned that if she is thirsty and wants juice, she says, "Juice" and gets juice. The
connection between saying "Juice" and receiving juice is BEST described as:
Options are :
- an establishing operation.
- a functional relationship.
- a behavior chain.
- respondent conditioning.
Answer : a functional relationship.
A child diagnosed with autism engages in hand flapping almost continuously at home, day care
and school. An intervention is devised to alleviate this challenging behavior. Which type of
experimental design would be BEST?
Options are :
- reversal
- withdrawal
- multi-element
- multiple baseline
Answer : multiple baseline
When using time out in a classroom, which of the following should be considered?
Options are :
- Positive reinforcement for the teacher is likely to contribute to increased duration of time out.
- Escape behavior could be punished.
- For children who are relatively non-disruptive and for innocuous behavior time out is optimal.
- The technique is easily abused and needs to be monitored and supervised carefully.
Answer : The technique is easily abused and needs to be monitored and supervised carefully.
The employees at a group home have not been meeting their supervisor's expectations
concerning on-time arrival to work. To address this issue, their supervisor implemented an
intervention that allows for each staff member who arrives on time for all scheduled shifts in a
given week to obtain an extended lunch break on Fridays. What type of intervention was
implemented?
Options are :
- Independent group contingency
- Contingency contract
- Interdependent group contingency
- Dependent group contingency
Answer : Independent group contingency
A behavior analyst has taught a student to look at the teacher when the teacher is speaking. Later,
the student is observed looking at a classmate when the classmate is speaking. The student
looking at the classmate is a result of.
Options are :
- discrimination training.
- response maintenance.
- stimulus generalization.
- response generalization.
Answer : stimulus generalization.
A behavior analyst and others are planning to identify long term outcomes for Mike. Assuming all
of the following are relevant to Mike, which is the BEST long term outcome?
Options are :
- Mike will independently travel and participate in activities with friends.
- Mike will learn to play a board game of his choice.
- Mike will speak at a level audible to people standing within 2 - 3 feet of him within 30 days.
- Mike will brush his teeth with 60% accuracy within 30 minutes following breakfast.
Answer : Mike will independently travel and participate in activities with friends.
When LeRoy sees his father arrive home, he begins to clean his room. Given this information, we
can conclude ONLY that the father's arrival is:
Options are :
- an antecedent.
- an establishing operation.
- a discriminative stimulus.
- a visual prompt.
Answer : an antecedent.
At the point in time when non-contingent reinforcement is delivered, the treatment provider is
reinforcing.
Options are :
- the target behaviors.
- all of the student's behaviors at that moment.
- incompatible or alternative behaviors.
- a behavior in the acquisition phase.
Answer : all of the student's behaviors at that moment.
When asked by her father to get her glucose tested, Cindy routinely says, "No," and walks out of
the room. She eventually returns and takes the test. The time between the request and Cindy's
taking the test is called the:
Options are :
- response latency.
- response interval.
- inter-response interval.
- compliance rate.
Answer : response latency.
The MOST critical consideration when selecting a behavior change intervention is:
Options are :
- availability of competent staff.
- ease of implementation.
- compliance with guardian requests.
- increasing a person's independence.
- None
Answer : increasing a person's independence.
Mark is a 28-year-old man with multiple physical disabilities. The doctor and physical therapist
have recommended a variety of positions to benefit Mark's overall health. When Mark is placed in
a prescribed position, he yells, arches his back, and bites his wrist. Subsequently, Mark slips out
of position. The behavior analyst seeks to help Mark tolerate his positions. Which statement BEST
defines a treatment goal?
Options are :
- Mark will tolerate his recommended positions.
- Mark will maintain all recommended positions for the prescribed amount of time.
- Mark will be placed in his recommended positions for the prescribed amount of time.
- Mark will not yell during positioning.
Answer : Mark will maintain all recommended positions for the prescribed amount of time.
A behavior analyst is doing some staff training in a facility. The first step is to have the staff read a
"How To" manual. The behavior analyst notices that after reading the manual, staff seem to be
doing some things specified in the readings, such as giving praise after adaptive behavior. This is
an example of.
Options are :
- backward chaining.
- fading.
- contingency-shaped behavior.
- rule-governed behavior.
Answer : rule-governed behavior.
A behavior analyst is developing a generalization procedure for a newly mastered response. What
strategy should be included in the procedure?
Options are :
- self-mediation
- limited exemplars
- positive practice
- reinforcement
Answer : reinforcement
Which of the following is an example of conditioned punishment?
Options are :
- Larry grabbed for the stimulus materials during therapy and receives a hard hand slap. He is less
likely to grab for stimulus materials in the future.
- A failure-to-thrive baby receives a spray of lemon juice in the mouth after gagging. She is less
likely to gag, and subsequently ruminate, in the future.
- Lucy speaks out in class without raising her hand. The teacher reprimands her verbally. Lucy is
less likely to speak without raising her hand in the future.
- A toddler sticks his finger in a power outlet and receives a shock. He is likely to never touch an
outlet again.
Answer : Lucy speaks out in class without raising her hand. The teacher reprimands her verbally. Lucy is
less likely to speak without raising her hand in the future.
Amanda is evaluating the effects of video modeling on play skills. Her participants often show
reactivity when they are observed. The BEST design to evaluate the video modeling is:
Options are :
- alternating treatments.
- withdrawal.
- changing criterion.
- multiple probe.
Answer : multiple probe.
A behavior analyst is investigating fixed ratio schedules of praise delivery to determine which is
most effective for changing the rate of question-asking by a 10-year-old child. This is an example
of.
Options are :
- a stimulus control program.
- an experimental social program.
- a social learning program.
- an applied analysis of behavior.
Answer : an applied analysis of behavior.
A caregiver says, "Touch your nose." The child accurately touches his nose. The child's response
is an example of a (n):
Options are :
- intraverbal response.
- listener response.
- echoic response.
- tact response.
Answer : listener response.
A mother wants to reduce the amount of time that it takes for her son to come to her when she
calls him. What should be measured?
Options are :
- rate
- inter-response time
- latency
- duration
Answer : latency
A change in which of the following could NOT function as a stimulus for triggering an episode of
aggression in a student?
Options are :
- room temperature
- noise level of the classroom
- teacher's attitude
- teacher's facial expression
Answer : teacher's attitude
