Newest BCBA® Exam #3

Quiz Flashcard

Questions

Feedback

During the Quiz End of Quiz

Difficulty

Easy First Hard First Sequential

1/161 Questions

Which is the most observable/measurable behavior?
- A student rushes through work with no attempt at quality.
- A student wants to grab things from peers.
- A student behaves inappropriately to get attention.
- A student leaves their seat.

About This Quiz

This test is copyrighted. If you haven't paid for it, please do so.
Okay, this exam is not timed. Take as long as you like. Save and resume, as needed. You'll receive a report at completion with all of your answers (correct and incorrect) along with detailed explanations. These tests are meant to inform and REDUCE your anxiety, so See moretake it easy. Even take this twice, if you'd like. Thanks.

Quiz Preview

2.

You ask your supervisee to observe a client’s behavior and list some of the environmental conditions that precede the target behaviors. Which is the LEAST observable/measurable?
- There were four others in the room.
- The tension was palpable.
- The room was well lit; the shades were open.
- The students were sitting and completing a writing assignment.
Correct Answer

A. The tension was palpable.

Explanation

Environmental variables often include who is present, what is present, what time or activity in which the behavior takes place. The number of people in a room, whether the shades are open and what activity is expected are all observable/measurable. The tension in a room may be perceptible, but needs to be better defined. I-2 Section I

Rate this question:
3.

Which of the following involves the learner emitting a response following the presentation of instructions or a discriminative stimulus, where only one opportunity is given for response?
- Free Operant Training
- Discrete Trial Training
- Incidental Teaching
- The Keller Plan
Correct Answer

A. Discrete Trial Training

Explanation

Discrete trial training involves the presentation of a stimulus/stimuli, prompts if needed, and then a single opportunity for response and reinforcement before moving to the next trial. The response is recorded. Free operant means that there are no constraints (or few) and allows for responses to be emitted freely. Incidental teaching is the manipulation of the natural environment to create MOs to facilitate teaching. The Keller Plan is another name for PSI, which is another teaching method. D-08 (Mayer, 361) Section D

Rate this question:
4.

Which is the best description of environmental variables around screaming?
- Before Hannah screamed, there were 4 peers present who were standing in line. The teacher announced the line leader.
- Before Hannah screamed, an adult was being careful not to upset Hannah as 4 other students stood in line. The teacher announced the line leader.
- Before Hannah screamed, 4 peers were standing nervously. The teacher announced the line leader.
- After Hannah screamed, 1 peer also screamed and the teacher went crazy.
Correct Answer

A. Before Hannah screamed, there were 4 peers present who were standing in line. The teacher announced the line leader.

Explanation

We are looking for the most observable/measurable antecedent variables that occur close in time to “screaming.” Who is present, what they are doing or saying and when they are doing it, might be relevant. Judgments about what people are feeling are not useful, unless they can be better described in observable/measurable terms. I-2 Section I

Rate this question:
5.

Two parents begin to admonish their child for thumb-sucking. Although thumb-sucking decreases in their presence, the parents learn that their child sucks his thumb more often at preschool. This unwanted effect of punishment is known as a/an/the:
- Behavioral contrast effect
- Matching law
- Non-contingent reinforcement effect
- Negative reinforcement effect
Correct Answer

A. Behavioral contrast effect

Explanation

The technical definition of behavioral contrast is that a change on one component of a multiple schedule is accompanied by a change in the opposite direction on the unaltered schedule (Cooper, et. al, p.691). In simpler terms, when you increase behavior on one multiple schedule, the behavior on the other schedule decreases. So, stopping the thumb-sucking at home may have the opposite effect at school. C-2 Section C

Rate this question:
6.

Supervising BCBAs receive a 10% commission on billable hours that their RBTs report, as well as their standard salary. The RBTs are paid $20/hour and keep track of their own hours. What might be the problem with these policies?
- The commission may not be a great enough incentive to attract BCBAs.
- The commission and hourly tracking may encourage and promote unethical behavior.
- The RBTs are being overpaid.
- The BCBAs should not be directly supervising the RBTs.
Correct Answer

A. The commission and hourly tracking may encourage and promote unethical behavior.

Explanation

Section 1.04(a) of the Ethical Code states that “Behavior analysts are truthful and honest and arrange the environment to promote truthful and honest behavior in others.” The incentive commission described above may encourage BCBAs to increase the billable hours for RBTs, rather than report accurate values. The RBTs may also have an incentive to “pad” their hours, if no one is checking the veracity of their reporting. The other answers are false, or irrelevant. Section Ethics

Rate this question:
7.

Punishment procedures may include the removal of reinforcers. Withholding which of the following is MOST likely to be unethical?
- Primary reinforcers, such as a sandwich, water, or warmth
- Secondary reinforcers, such as attention, a cookie or some juice
- Primary reinforcers, such as attention, a cookie or some juice
- Secondary reinforcers, such as a sandwich, water, or warmth
Correct Answer

A. Primary reinforcers, such as a sandwich, water, or warmth

Explanation

Primary reinforcers are also known as unconditioned reinforcers. These are phylogenic. That is, people are born needing regulated temperature, food, water and oxygen. These also relate to the unconditioned motivating operations (UMOs). Secondary reinforcers are also called conditioned reinforcers. D-15 (Mayer, Chapter 29) Section D

Rate this question:
8.

When Von’s teacher is reading his favorite book to the class, the teacher says “My button, my button, my three ______________” to which Von correctly says “groovy buttons.” Which verbal operant is Von displaying?
- An intraverbal
- A tact
- An echoic
- A mand
Correct Answer

A. An intraverbal

Explanation

Intraverbals are commonly seen as answering a question or filling in blanks. There is a verbal SD (the teacher reading the book) that occasions the verbal response (groovy buttons). D-13 (Mayer, 389-393) Section D

Rate this question:
9.

Two behavior analyst colleagues were working at the same large employer. The two began a romantic relationship. Then, one was promoted to be the direct supervisor of the other. This could be a problem because of?
- Awkwardness
- Insurance issues
- The policy on personnel
- A multiple relationship
Correct Answer

A. A multiple relationship

Explanation

Multiple relationships are a combination of a professional relationship and another type of relationship that may interfere with the professional one. The Code, section 1.06 (b) states “Behavior analysts must always be sensitive to the potentially harmful effects of multiple relationships. If behavior analysts find that, due to unforeseen factors, a multiple relationship has arisen, they seek to resolve it.” The other answers do not stem from conflicts in being a behavior analyst. Section Ethics

Rate this question:
10.

A behavior analyst has a responsibility to clients. The term “client” most importantly includes?
- Whomever receives services
- Corporations or firms
- Parents and/or guardians
- Public and private organizations
Correct Answer

A. Whomever receives services

Explanation

Section 2.0 of The Code reads, “Behavior analysts have a responsibility to operate in the best interest of clients. The term client as used here is broadly applicable to whomever behavior analysts provide services, …” The individual categories aren’t as important as the main idea that our responsibility is to anyone who receives ABA services. Section Ethics

Rate this question:
11.

Ms. Kite is a teacher in a behavioral classroom in a local middle school and has a problem with her students. The behavior is increasing. Ms. Kite and her teacher’s aides received training on how to respond to swearing and how to ignore inappropriate behavior in order to avoid escalating behaviors. Allison, the BCBA, observes the classroom and, using a skill assessment, notes that Ms. Kite is not correctly implementing the procedures that she was taught, which explains the recent spike in incidents. When a student swears, Ms. Kite says “inappropriate” which serves to further escalate the problem. What should Allison do?
- Report the teacher to the special education director.
- Provide further instructions, in writing, to Ms. Kite informing her you will have to report the noncompliance in the future.
- Ask the aides and students if this is typical behavior for Ms. Kite, in order to ensure this isn’t reactivity.
- Model the appropriate implementation and increase observational time to allow for further training.
Correct Answer

A. Model the appropriate implementation and increase observational time to allow for further training.

Explanation

Disciplinary action, such as written warning or reporting to the director, should not be taken as a first step. First, Allison should further model and rehearse the behavior with Ms. Kite to ensure she has acquired the skill and that she (her behavior) is being reinforced by the behavior change of the students. K-06 (Mayer, 39-46) Section K

Rate this question:
12.

Raymond, a BCBA, wants to collect more information about a client’s behavior and the environmental variables surrounding it. Unfortunately, Raymond will not be able to directly observe the client until next week. For that reason, he plans to have an RBT complete a descriptive assessment. Which of the following would be most effective for the RBT to use?
- Conditional probabilities
- ABC narrative
- Time sampling
- Rate recording
Correct Answer

A. ABC narrative

Explanation

ABC narrative is the only descriptive assessment listed that will include environmental variables as part of the assessment. Conditional probabilities uses pre-selected choices of antecedent variables and consequences and attempts to determine the likelihood of a behavior given these conditions. A rate of behavior will not provide any information on environmental events surrounding the behavior. Time-sampling identifies patterns but does not provide necessary information about the “environmental variables” mentioned. I-02 (Mayer, 188-191) Section I

Rate this question:
13.

A mother says “When you’re finished cleaning your room. I’ll take you to town.” This is likely an example of:
- Behavioral momentum
- The Premack principle
- A discriminated stimulus
- Overshadowing
Correct Answer

A. The Premack principle

Explanation

The Premack principle involves a relatively low-probability request followed by a high-probability request. This is often referred to as a “First, then” or “If, then” contingency. E-10 Section E

Rate this question:
14.

Mason just finished cleaning his room. After his Dad sees his room, he tells Mason “Give me a high five.” To which Mason responds by giving his Dad a high five. Which verbal behavior did Mason demonstrate when he gave his father a high five?
- Intraverbal behavior
- Tact behavior
- Listener behavior
- Echoic behavior
Correct Answer

A. Listener behavior

Explanation

Listener behavior is defined as responding to verbal stimuli; most commonly seen with verbal instructions. Since the behavior matched the verbal stimulus this is considered listener behavior. D-14 (Mayer, 393) Section D

Rate this question:
15.

Faith brings home a point sheet every day from school. As long as the point sheet indicates that she didn’t have any tantrums that day, her mother allows her to pick from a special “treat box.” What DR procedure is this mother using?
- DRO
- DRA
- DRL
- DRI
Correct Answer

A. DRO

Explanation

There is not a specified behavior that Faith must engage in during the school day. Instead the criteria is that she does NOT engage in tantruming. That is, Faith receives reinforcement for engaging in any other behavior, not specified, which is differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO). D-21 (Mayer, Chapter 28) Section D

Rate this question:
16.

Which of the following goals is observable and measurable?
- Tiffany will not daydream during independent work.
- Tiffany will throw objects that are smaller than her hand.
- Tiffany will request a break when she feels frustrated.
- Tiffany will not throw objects with the intent to hurt someone.
Correct Answer

A. Tiffany will throw objects that are smaller than her hand.

Explanation

Remember that the question didn’t ask what was a GOOD goal, just which was observable and measurable. Day dreaming, like fantasizing, is a private event that cannot be directly measured or observed. Feelings and intent are also not measurable dimensions of behavior and are subjective in nature. Throwing objects that are smaller than her hand is objective and can be directly measured even though it does not appear to be a safe goal if the item is aimed at an individual - especially me:). J-01 Section J

Rate this question:
17.

Which is a form of FCT (Functional Communication Training)?
- High-P (High Probability Request Sequence)
- NCR (Noncontingent Reinforcement)
- PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
- Intraverbals
Correct Answer

A. PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

Explanation

High-P, NCR and FCT are all antecedent interventions, but the use of PECS is a form of FCT. FCT takes advantage of MOs through MAND training, not intraverbals. F-7 Section F

Rate this question:
18.

Rick noticed that his friends gave him sympathy and stopped by more often when he complained of ailments. Rick asks you to help him understand why he complains. Which answer is the MOST behavior analytic?
- “You’re trying to get attention from your friends.”
- “You’re depressed.”
- “Your recent divorce has got you down.”
- “Your cortisol levels are way too high.”
Correct Answer

A. “You’re trying to get attention from your friends.”

Explanation

We often talk of the function of behavior in ABA. This is the layman’s equivalent of explaining “why” a behavior happens. If a behavior results in attention, it is likely a reinforcer. The other answers are not behavior-analytic. G-5 Section G

Rate this question:
19.

A marketing firm wants to offer a gift card to those who simply watch their 30-minute promotional video. They test how many people complete the video for a $10, $20, $5 and $2 card. This is a form of:
- Component analysis
- Parametric analysis
- Functional analysis
- Component schedule analysis
Correct Answer

A. Parametric analysis

Explanation

A parametric analysis attempts to determine the AMOUNT of intervention or reinforcement that remains effective. This is in contrast to the component analysis which attempts to identify WHICH PARTS of an intervention are effective. The scenario above clearly does not describe a functional analysis. A component schedule analysis is a fictitious term. B-11 Section B

Rate this question:
20.

A student frequently argues with both of his teachers. If one teacher stops arguing altogether, a behavior analyst might expect:
- A subsequent decrease in arguing with the other teacher
- An increase in other behaviors
- An increase in arguing with the other teacher
- An increase in polite behaviors
Correct Answer

A. An increase in arguing with the other teacher

Explanation

A change on one of two alternating schedules is indicative of behavioral contrast. If the change on one schedule decreases (no arguing), then an opposite reaction can be expected (increased arguing) on the other schedule (other teacher). This is an example of behavior contrast E-7 Section E

Rate this question:
21.

Which verbal operant is typically taught first because of its likelihood to access reinforcement in the natural environment?
- Tact
- Echoic
- Mand
- Intraverbal
Correct Answer

A. Mand

Explanation

Since mands are verbal requests that specify the desired reinforcement they are the most likely to access reinforcement outside of a clinical setting. D-11(Mayer, 383) Section D

Rate this question:
22.

A colleague of yours has started a behavioral consulting blog site and invited you to look at it. When you see her site, you notice that some copyrighted material is not credited to the author. What is the most appropriate course of action?
- Inform the BACB about this violation, even though you are reporting a colleague.
- Inform the author of the information, so that they may contact your colleague.
- Inform your colleague that you will contact the BACB and the author, if the material is not removed.
- Inform your colleague and ask that they rectify the error.
Correct Answer

A. Inform your colleague and ask that they rectify the error.

Explanation

The first step would be to inform your colleague and see that they change the information. Further steps may be necessary, but an informal solution (approaching the colleague) is preferred. The Ethical Code, section 7.02 (c) states: “If an informal resolution appears appropriate, and would not violate any confidentiality rights, behavior analysts attempt to resolve the issue by bringing it to the attention of that individual and documenting their efforts to address the matter. If the matter is not resolved, behavior analysts report the matter to the appropriate authority …” Section Ethics

Rate this question:
23.

This graph is a(n):
- Multi-element design
- Changing criterion design
- Multiple baseline design
- Alternating treatments design
Correct Answer

A. Changing criterion design

Explanation

The step-wise look of this chart is distinctive and should be immediately recognized as a changing criterion design. Each step is predetermined and the data points around each step are verification of the independent variable’s influence. B-6 Section B

Rate this question:
24.

In order to find out how many times Travis passed the basketball, one would measure:
- Duration
- Frequency
- Percent of occurrence
- Rate
Correct Answer

A. Frequency

Explanation

This is simply a count, rather than an average per minute or hour. Count is the same as frequency and is differentiated from rate on the 4th edition task list. A-1 Section A

Rate this question:
25.

One way to describe a behavioral cusp is:
- Behavior for which there is a strong motivating operation.
- Behavior that is nearly mastered.
- Behavior upon which other behavior can be built.
- Behavior which is novel.
Correct Answer

A. Behavior upon which other behavior can be built.

Explanation

Both behavioral cusps and pivotal behaviors are “behavior upon which other behavior is built”, according to Mayer, et. al (2014, p.56) J-13 Section J

Rate this question:
26.

Based on the graph below, what is the BEST antecedent intervention?
- High-p
- Premack principle
- Differential reinforcement
- NCR
Correct Answer

A. NCR

Explanation

NCR is the only antecedent intervention listed that addresses the function of the behavior (attention). High-p and Premack principle would be more appropriate with a different function of the behavior. Differential reinforcement is not an antecedent intervention. J-15 (Mayer, 651-655) Section J

Rate this question:
27.

Jenny previously engaged in high rates of aggression in order to gain access to preferred items. Now she receives 5 minutes of access to her preferred items every hour that she is at school. What procedure is being used with Jenny?
- NCR
- DRO
- FCT
- Extinction
Correct Answer

A. NCR

Explanation

Jenny is being provided access to the preferred items non-contingently (NCR) as the scenario does not state she must go 60 minutes without aggression (DRO), or communicate her want for preferred items (FCT). Additionally, no reinforcement is being withheld, so extinction is not in effect. D-20 (Mayer, 558-562) Section D

Rate this question:
28.

Seth is a 14-year-old male with developmental delays who lives in a group home setting. Seth receives an allowance for completing household chores and helping other members in his household. Once a week he goes on community outings to a shopping center. Based on this information what would be the most socially valid goal for Seth?
- Purchasing items at a store
- Using public transportation
- Cooking personal meals
- Dressing himself
Correct Answer

A. Purchasing items at a store

Explanation

Social validity of goals is based upon the relevance of that goal for the individual’s life. Based on this scenario, Seth receives money for chores he does and goes to the store weekly. Being able to spend his money for wants or needs would be socially valid. J-08 (Cooper, 238) Section J

Rate this question:
29.

Katie previously received treatment for refusal to go to school and personal hygiene issues. Treatment was faded out due to the stability of behavior change. It has been a month since the BCBA last saw Katie. The BCBA is most likely meeting with Katie and her parents today to assess:
- Generalization
- New intervention
- Removal of treatment
- Maintenance
Correct Answer

A. Maintenance

Explanation

Maintenance looks at the extent to which a behavior continues to contact reinforcement when some or all of a treatment/intervention is removed. Generalization would look at how the treatment impacted other untrained behaviors or other environments. This is not as important as the original behavior being maintained post treatment. J-12 (Cooper, 616-617) Section J

Rate this question:
30.

Precision Teaching puts particular emphasis on:
- Motivating operations
- Duration of student engagement
- Fluency of responses
- Detailed, scripted lessons
Correct Answer

A. Fluency of responses

Explanation

Precision Teaching, developed by Ogden Lindsley in the 1960s, puts great emphasis on the student's’ response fluency. The foundations of Precision Teaching include: “a) learning is best measured as a change in response(s) b) learning most often occurs through proportional changes in behavior, and c) past changes in performance can project future learning” (Cooper et al, 2007, pp 142) F-4 Section F

Rate this question:
31.

A teacher would like to display the total number of spelling words that a student has mastered since the beginning of the year. The appropriate display is a:
- An equal-interval line graph
- Percent of occurrence
- Rate
- Cumulative record
Correct Answer

A. Cumulative record

Explanation

What the teacher wants is to display the total words mastered. A bar graph would be somewhat appropriate, but isn’t an option above. A cumulative record would show the total words mastered at the end of the graph, and would also show the growth from the beginning of the intervention through to the end. A-11 The line graph would show progress by day or week, but makes the behavioral progress look as if it "goes up and down". While accurate, it doesn't highlight the dimension of the behavior that we want to show - the total number of words learned. Percent of occurrence would also not be appropriate, as this would display percentages in the same "up and down" way as a line graph. Section A

Rate this question:
32.

A __________ is conducted early in a professional relationship in order to narrow the focus of investigation and understand more about the target behavior.
- Trigger analysis
- Contingency assessment
- Operant analysis
- Preliminary assessment
Correct Answer

A. Preliminary assessment

Explanation

A preliminary assessment simply involves understanding the basic problem behaviors and their environment. This is conducted prior to formal observation, goal setting or intervention. G-3. Section G

Rate this question:
33.

Katherine recently became ill and it has become clear that she is not able to continue providing services for her clients. Assuming Katherine has been providing ethical services to her clients this will not be an issue because:
- Katherine has kept detailed records of treatment.
- Katherine works with a team and she updated them weekly on client progress.
- Katherine is able to discuss the client before transferring services.
- A new provider should perform their own assessments anyway.
Correct Answer

A. Katherine has kept detailed records of treatment.

Explanation

It is possible that Katherine will not be available to provide assistance in transferring the client. The treatment records will need to be detailed with sufficient data in order to reduce the impact on the client when services need to be transferred to a new provider, even if the transfer is temporary. K-01 (BACB Ethical and Professional Code, 2.10) Section K

Rate this question:
34.

Which answer describes latency?
- The time between one swallow and the next
- The time that it takes you to step after the “walk” sign illuminates
- The time that it takes to get to the office window after your name is called
- The time that it takes to run around a track after the starter pistol has sounded
Correct Answer

A. The time that it takes you to step after the “walk” sign illuminates

Explanation

Latency is the time between a stimulus and the beginning of a response. Basically, how long does it take someone to respond (Cooper, et. al, 2007, p.80). A-4 Section A

Rate this question:
35.

Teeth grinding occurs for 10 seconds and then again after 11 seconds, 9 more seconds and finally after ten more seconds. The average IRT is:
- 30 seconds
- 10 seconds
- 40 seconds
- 13.33 seconds
Correct Answer

A. 10 seconds

Explanation

The times between responses are 11 seconds (from the first to second responses), 9 seconds (between 2nd and 3rd responses) and 10 seconds (between 3rd and 4th responses). 11+9+10 is 30 seconds. Divide this by 3 (because we had three inter-response intervals), in order to average them. The result is a 10-second average IRT. The 10-second duration of the first behavior is not part of the time between responses; it is a confounding variable. A-5 Section A

Rate this question:
36.

One observer notes 4,5,4 and 5 behaviors. A second observer records 4,6,3 and 5 behaviors. The total count IOA would be:
- 100%
- 90%
- 75%
- 50%
Correct Answer

A. 100%

Explanation

Total count IOA is simply the smallest total over the largest total. Of course, this division is then multiplied by 100 to provide a percentage. For this question, the total for the two observers is 18 for one observer and 18 for the other. 18/18 *100 = 100%. This scenario is a good illustration of how a total count IOA calculation may overestimate agreement. A-8 Section A

Rate this question:
37.

Quinn wants to evaluate the effect that increasing direct service hours has on a client’s aggressive behavior. In order to demonstrate a significant effect, it would be best to intervene when the aggression is:
- Variable
- Descending
- Ascending
- Unstable
Correct Answer

A. Ascending

Explanation

Stable data would be another choice, but that wasn’t an option. When a stable data pattern is not an option we must select a trend that is going in the opposite direction of what we are trying to do, so that the effect can be seen in the change. K-07 (Cooper, p.168) Section K

Rate this question:
38.

A BCBA may discontinue services in all of the situations below, EXCEPT:
- Mark has not made progress on his goals after working with the RBT for the past six weeks.
- Jonathan has received ABA therapy for several years and has met and exceeded his goals.
- Ms. Teal requests that her daughter no longer receive ABA services, despite the progress she is making in therapy.
- Samantha has been receiving ABA for six months and despite plan changes, supervised sessions, and parent training; is not making progress towards her goals.
Correct Answer

A. Mark has not made progress on his goals after working with the RBT for the past six weeks.

Explanation

All efforts must be made to provide effective, quality behavior analytic services. In the case of Mark the BCBA should supervise and review treatment before discontinuing services. K-10 (BACB Code, 2.15) Section K

Rate this question:
39.

A BCBA has been called in to develop a management strategy for a middle school classroom. During the observations and interviews with the teachers it becomes clear that Mr. T, the teacher, is resistant to change and has strong opinions on what would be the best behavior management program for his classroom. How should the BCBA address this potential obstacle?
- Inform Mr. T that it is the BCBA’s job to design the program.
- Collaborate with Mr. T in order to identify an effective strategy.
- Base the program on what ABA literature has proven to be effective.
- Tell the school officials that the classroom is an unsupportive environment and delay development until Mr. T receives additional training.
Correct Answer

A. Collaborate with Mr. T in order to identify an effective strategy.

Explanation

The best approach is to work as a team with key stakeholders and consider the constraints these stakeholders may be to the intervention. Choosing not to work with Mr. T will likely result in an intervention he will not implement in the absence of the BCBA which will not be effective. You will use behavior-analytic strategies of course, but this answer doesn't address the problem described in the scenario. J-07 (Mayer 34-35) Section J

Rate this question:
40.

You are a BCBA working in a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. One of your clients has a hamster that lives in their room with them. Your client has developed a “checking” behavior. Whenever your client is out of her room she returns to check the hamster very often. Staff agree that this behavior happens far too frequently and want the client to check on the hamster less often. An appropriate measure of baseline data would be:
- Inter-response time
- Duration
- Latency
- Permanent product
Correct Answer

A. Inter-response time

Explanation

This question mentions the goal of “checking less often.” That can be interpreted as reducing the number of times per hour or day the client checks on the hamster, or increasing the time between checks. Rate would be appropriate, but it is not a choice. IRT would allow the user to take data on the time between behaviors and create an intervention to do so. Duration could be tracked, but would report the time that your client spends checking on the hamster each time. If this duration were eventually decreased without a concurrent change in the frequency of “checking”, the behavior would likely continue to interrupt the client’s activities. Latency would be difficult to measure, since the question does not mention an Sd from which you could begin a tracking latency. There is no permanent product of the "checking" behavior. Section H

Rate this question:
41.

Which describes a duration measure?
- Three breaths per minute
- Pause between breaths for 5 seconds
- Breaths of 15 seconds or more
- Inhaling within 5 seconds of hearing a tone
Correct Answer

A. Breaths of 15 seconds or more

Explanation

Duration is how long a behavior lasts from beginning to end. The length of the breath is a duration measure. Behaviors per minute are a rate. A pause between breaths is an IRT, rather than a duration measures. A 5-second pause after a tone describes a latency measure. A-3 Section A

Rate this question:
42.

In the initial meeting with a client’s parent, you’d like to know more about the occurrence of the target behavior. Which would NOT be an appropriate question?
- When does the behavior occur?
- When does the behavior tend not to happen?
- What antecedent stimuli appear to evoke the behavior?
- Are there things that you say or do right before the behavior?
Correct Answer

A. What antecedent stimuli appear to evoke the behavior?

Explanation

The content of all of these questions is valid. The focus here is on using non-technical language to communicate with those who are not behavior analysts. We want to understand behavior, rather than “show off” a behaviorist vocabulary. G-4 Section G

Rate this question:
43.

Joe, a student of yours, elopes from his classroom and the entire school has, on occasion, been looking for him. You’ve identified some triggering antecedents and believe this behavior to have an escape function. The school principal suggests that the student needs to be kept inside at all times, constantly supervised and punished for elopement. Which answer would be the most appropriate behavior-analytic response to the principal?
- “Yes, I agree with continuous supervision, but we need to encourage a better way of getting out of non-preferred activities.”
- “Yes, I agree with that plan.”
- “No, we can’t just keep Joe inside all the time.”
- “Yes, we can give Joe additional attention within the classroom and reduce his elopement.”
Correct Answer

A. “Yes, I agree with continuous supervision, but we need to encourage a better way of getting out of non-preferred activities.”

Explanation

The scenario mentions escape as the function. Finding a replacement for this function along with the use of extinction (or possibly punishment) should be the focus. We also should advocate - in this case, especially - for the least restrictive intervention that is likely to work. Agreeing with the principal’s plan is not acceptable and disagreeing without a plan is not helpful either. The other plan mentioned, addresses the wrong function (attention).G-6 Section G

Rate this question:
44.

When writing an intervention plan, it is important to look at how the behavior will be maintained following treatment. Which of the following is most likely to improve maintenance?
- Use of primary reinforcers
- Use of secondary reinforcers
- Use of contrived contingencies
- Use of natural contingencies
Correct Answer

A. Use of natural contingencies

Explanation

Natural contingencies are those that produce reinforcement to maintain the behavior post intervention. The use of primary or secondary reinforcers are irrelevant if those reinforcers are not available in the natural environment where the behavior must be maintained. J-12 (Cooper 623-624) Section J

Rate this question:
45.

Behavior analysts rely on professionally-derived knowledge that is based on:
- Expert opinion
- Anecdotal data and science
- Ethics and opportunity
- Science and behavior analysis
Correct Answer

A. Science and behavior analysis

Explanation

This wording is taken directly from the Ethical Code, section 1.01. “Behavior analysts rely on professionally derived knowledge, based on science and behavior analysis.” Section Ethics

Rate this question:
46.

Which statement is NOT true concerning graphic displays of behavioral data?
- Visual analysis cannot provide feedback for the people whose behavior they represent.
- Graphic displays of data provide the practitioner immediate access to the visual record of a client’s behavior.
- Visual analysis is a conservative method for determining the significance of behavior change.
- Continual contact with the data in a ready analyzable format allows practitioners and researchers to note variations in the behavior as they occur.
Correct Answer

A. Visual analysis cannot provide feedback for the people whose behavior they represent.

Explanation

Cooper, et al (2007) lists six primary benefits of graphic displays of behavioral data: 1) Plotting the data on a graph right after the observation period allows immediate access to the visual record of the client’s behavior. 2) Continual contact with the data in a ready analyzable format allows practitioners and researchers to note variations in the behavior as they occur. 3) Graphs can be used as judgement aids that help the practitioner interpret the results of a treatment or study. 4) Visual analysis is a conservative way in which to determine the significance of behavior change. 5) Graphs encourage independent judgments rather than having to rely on statistical manipulation. 6) Visual analysis can provide feedback for the people whose behavior it represents. (p.128) H-3 Section H

Rate this question:
47.

A teacher gives out various coupons to students as a reward for their behavior. The students love these. Whenever the teacher gives these out, she thanks students for their service and shakes their hand. The handshake should become a(n):
- Generalized reinforcer
- Unconditioned reinforcer
- Aversive
- Conditioned reinforcer
Correct Answer

A. Conditioned reinforcer

Explanation

Repeatedly pairing a new, previously neutral, stimulus - in this case the handshake - with a known reinforcer will create a new conditioned reinforcer. A generalized reinforcer is one that is used to reinforce a variety of behaviors. An example of this is “Good work.” Unconditioned reinforcers are those that take no learning history to “want.” Examples of these are food, water and warmth. The scenario does not describe an aversive. E-11 Section E

Rate this question:
48.

Meredith completed the initial intake for a client in the classroom and made several observations about the environment. Meredith is concerned that the environment might not be supportive of treatment and knows she will have to take this into account when designing the treatment plan. Which observation below would indicate that the environment might not be supportive?
- The use of candy as reinforcement
- Daily schedule posted and used with transitional cues
- Several students have similar behavioral problems
- Consistent changes in staffing
Correct Answer

A. Consistent changes in staffing

Explanation

A supportive environment is one that is stable and consistent, especially as it relates to what needs to be done. Staff turnover can create an unstable environment, as new staff members have to become acquainted with students and their behavior plans. This creates delays and likely both inconsistencies and plan fidelity problems. Meredith will have to consider this when writing her plan. Although candy may be considered a somewhat harmful reinforcer, the presence of reinforcement signals a supportive environment. A daily schedule would also be a helpful sign. Other students having similar problems might change the scope of intervention, but isn’t a barrier to implementation by itself. J-06 (Cooper, p.674) Section J

Rate this question:
49.

When using a behavior contract to increase a behavior, it is necessary to:
- Arrange for a punishment contingency
- Use a skill within a client’s repertoire
- Use a chaining strategy
- Be aware of behavior contrast effects
Correct Answer

A. Use a skill within a client’s repertoire

Explanation

A behavior must already be in a client’s repertoire in order to use contingency contracting (Cooper, et.al, p.558). Remember, a contract is an agreement to provide a reward when a client “does” something that you want them to do. If the client does not have the skill in their repertoire, they will most likely fail. Behavior contrast may be an issue if the contract is successful in changing behavior, but this consideration is secondary to using the client's skill repertoire. E-4 Section E

Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

Current Version
Jul 23, 2021

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Feb 25, 2020

Quiz Created by

Back to top

Newest BCBA® Exam #3

Which is the most observable/measurable behavior?

Quiz Preview

You ask your supervisee to observe a client’s behavior and list some of the environmental conditions that precede the target behaviors. Which is the LEAST observable/measurable?

Which of the following involves the learner emitting a response following the presentation of instructions or a discriminative stimulus, where only one opportunity is given for response?

Which is the best description of environmental variables around screaming?

Two parents begin to admonish their child for thumb-sucking. Although thumb-sucking decreases in their presence, the parents learn that their child sucks his thumb more often at preschool. This unwanted effect of punishment is known as a/an/the:

Supervising BCBAs receive a 10% commission on billable hours that their RBTs report, as well as their standard salary. The RBTs are paid $20/hour and keep track of their own hours. What might be the problem with these policies?

Punishment procedures may include the removal of reinforcers. Withholding which of the following is MOST likely to be unethical?

When Von’s teacher is reading his favorite book to the class, the teacher says “My button, my button, my three ______________” to which Von correctly says “groovy buttons.” Which verbal operant is Von displaying?

Two behavior analyst colleagues were working at the same large employer. The two began a romantic relationship. Then, one was promoted to be the direct supervisor of the other. This could be a problem because of?

A behavior analyst has a responsibility to clients. The term “client” most importantly includes?

A mother says “When you’re finished cleaning your room. I’ll take you to town.” This is likely an example of:

Mason just finished cleaning his room. After his Dad sees his room, he tells Mason “Give me a high five.” To which Mason responds by giving his Dad a high five. Which verbal behavior did Mason demonstrate when he gave his father a high five?

Faith brings home a point sheet every day from school. As long as the point sheet indicates that she didn’t have any tantrums that day, her mother allows her to pick from a special “treat box.” What DR procedure is this mother using?

Which of the following goals is observable and measurable?

Which is a form of FCT (Functional Communication Training)?

Rick noticed that his friends gave him sympathy and stopped by more often when he complained of ailments. Rick asks you to help him understand why he complains. Which answer is the MOST behavior analytic?

A marketing firm wants to offer a gift card to those who simply watch their 30-minute promotional video. They test how many people complete the video for a $10, $20, $5 and $2 card. This is a form of:

A student frequently argues with both of his teachers. If one teacher stops arguing altogether, a behavior analyst might expect:

Which verbal operant is typically taught first because of its likelihood to access reinforcement in the natural environment?

A colleague of yours has started a behavioral consulting blog site and invited you to look at it. When you see her site, you notice that some copyrighted material is not credited to the author. What is the most appropriate course of action?

This graph is a(n):

In order to find out how many times Travis passed the basketball, one would measure:

One way to describe a behavioral cusp is:

Based on the graph below, what is the BEST antecedent intervention?

Jenny previously engaged in high rates of aggression in order to gain access to preferred items. Now she receives 5 minutes of access to her preferred items every hour that she is at school. What procedure is being used with Jenny?

Katie previously received treatment for refusal to go to school and personal hygiene issues. Treatment was faded out due to the stability of behavior change. It has been a month since the BCBA last saw Katie. The BCBA is most likely meeting with Katie and her parents today to assess:

Precision Teaching puts particular emphasis on:

A teacher would like to display the total number of spelling words that a student has mastered since the beginning of the year. The appropriate display is a:

A __________ is conducted early in a professional relationship in order to narrow the focus of investigation and understand more about the target behavior.

Katherine recently became ill and it has become clear that she is not able to continue providing services for her clients. Assuming Katherine has been providing ethical services to her clients this will not be an issue because:

Which answer describes latency?

Teeth grinding occurs for 10 seconds and then again after 11 seconds, 9 more seconds and finally after ten more seconds. The average IRT is:

One observer notes 4,5,4 and 5 behaviors. A second observer records 4,6,3 and 5 behaviors. The total count IOA would be:

Quinn wants to evaluate the effect that increasing direct service hours has on a client’s aggressive behavior. In order to demonstrate a significant effect, it would be best to intervene when the aggression is:

A BCBA may discontinue services in all of the situations below, EXCEPT:

Which describes a duration measure?

In the initial meeting with a client’s parent, you’d like to know more about the occurrence of the target behavior. Which would NOT be an appropriate question?

When writing an intervention plan, it is important to look at how the behavior will be maintained following treatment. Which of the following is most likely to improve maintenance?

Behavior analysts rely on professionally-derived knowledge that is based on:

Which statement is NOT true concerning graphic displays of behavioral data?

A teacher gives out various coupons to students as a reward for their behavior. The students love these. Whenever the teacher gives these out, she thanks students for their service and shakes their hand. The handshake should become a(n):

When using a behavior contract to increase a behavior, it is necessary to: