BAS MISSED Mini-Mock Quiz Questions

Gina has recorded the instances of Johnny crying over the last two weeks. She would like to know where crying is likely to occur. What type of graph would give Gina the most information about Jonny's crying? A. A scatterplot B. A cumulative graph C. A line graph D. A celeration chart

A Correct: A scatterplot is a graph that plots information about both the behavior occurrence, as well as environmental conditions at the time. This type of graph is most useful for evaluating patterns of behavior compared to other events.

This design is the most widely used experimental design in applied behavior analysis for comparing and evaluating treatment effects: A. Multiple baseline design B. Reversal design C. Multielement design D. Changing criterion design

A Correct: According to Applied Behavior Analysis, the multiple baseline design is the most widely used experimental design. This is because of its high level of flexibility and that it can monitor IV effects across settings, behaviors, or subjects without the need for a withdrawal (Cooper, et al, p. 193, 2020).

John was driving to work and was curious whether he had enough gas to get there. The gas gauge read half a tank left, which was more than enough to get to work. What evaluation can be made about the gas gauge measure of gas in the gas tank? A. It's a true measure B. It's a valid measure C. It's a reliable measure D. It's an accurate measure

B Correct: As Cooper defines it, validity is a measure that is "directly relevant" to what we are attempting to measure. Here, it's important to know that John is checking the gas gauge, BECAUSE he wants to know if he can make it to work or not. The gauge is a valid indicator that helps John solve his problem.

While conducting a research study consisting of 5 nonvocal participants, which of the following would be the best way to gain consent? A. Ask the participant to whisper that they are willing to participate B. Ask the participant to give you a thumbs up C. Gain consent from the participant's legal guardian D. Gain consent through the participant's physician

B Correct: Assent represents a nonverbal way for someone to give consent. Guidelines for assent must be established prior to the study and agreed upon by relevant parties as addressed in the ethical code (BACB ethics code, section 2.11).

After several months of supervising Joel, Maria has noticed that he is calmer and more excited to be at work. Given these changes, Maria asks Joel about the change and he tells her that he has taken up mountain biking, and that this has helped him to unwind after work. Now, Maria asks Joel about mountain biking when their shifts overlap. Why will Maria continue to ask Joel about mountain biking? A. She may be interested in the sport. B. She wants to reinforce the changes in Joel's behavior. C. She wants to build rapport with Joel. D. She would like for Joel to continue mountain biking.

B Correct: She wants to reinforce Joel's new hobby, because this seems to have led to changes in work-related behaviors.

Defining characteristics of applied behavior analysis include all of the following EXCEPT: A. Use of behavior change technology in the natural setting, in order to promote socially significant behavior change B. Case conceptualization and service delivery C. Generalizing behavior change to a variety environments and lasting over time D. Demonstration of derived relationships

D Correct: ABA deals with the demonstration of FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS. Functional relationships demonstrate that an intervention changes behavior, and it is that specific intervention that changed behavior. A derived relationship is one that is not directly trained, but is logically derived. A derived relation is also known as generative learning.

Brendan's mother asks him to do his homework. Brendan refuses. This typically results in Brendan being sent to his room. This is an example of which type of analysis? A. Trigger B. Pattern C. Sequence D. Functional

C Correct: A sequence analysis can be derived from either narrative recording or ABC data. It's an examination of the contiguity of antecedent events and consequences around target behavior. A "sequence" of events, you might say.

Joe is working with Charlie, Frank, and Sam on attending during a seated activity. He is using the same intervention for all three clients and has received convincing evidence that the intervention used is responsible for the behavior change. Joe has been using: A. A multi-element design B. A between-subjects design C. A single-subjects design D. A DRI procedure

C Correct: A single-subject design is the most relevant experimental design for comprehensively understanding the functional relationship between the behavior and the environment. This is because the subject serves as their own control, allowing for an analysis of each person's change in performance, as opposed to an average performance per group that you'd see in a between-groups design.

Many pseudo-scientific ideas continue to circulate and purveyors of these ideas prey on vulnerable and sometimes desperate clients. Being aware of and responding to stakeholders regarding, for example, the notion of "facilitated communication" is directly relevant to which core ethical principle? A. Benefit others B. Treat others with compassion, dignity and respect C. Behave with integrity D. Ensure competence

D Correct: Although it may not seem directly related to competence, the core principle of competence does include knowledge of pseudoscience relevant to behavior analytic practice. Being able to respond to stakeholders and inform them regarding pseudoscience is an ongoing part of being a competent behavior analyst.

All the intake paperwork for Keenan is done. A review of records and some preliminary interviews, including a brief meeting with Keenan was conducted. What should the behavior analyst do next? A. Hypothesize behavioral function. B. Complete initial records review. C. Determine if he has the skills to serve this client. D. Observe.

D Correct: An initial observation is in order now.

Which of these is the best evidence of a behavior analyst's supervision effectiveness? A. The certification exam pass rate for supervisees. B. Excellent reviews from current and former supervisees. C. A function-based assessment of supervisee performance. D. A supervisee competency assessment.

D Correct: Behavior analysts should always make decisions based on data. What's important in supervision is whether your supervisees learned anything. Effective behavior analytic supervision includes monitoring the skills of the trainee throughout the supervised experience (Cooper et al., 2020, pp. 766-768).

Lauren, a BCBA, has operationally defined a client's behavior, taken baseline data, created an intervention, implemented said intervention, and assessed its efficacy by using a withdrawal/reversal design. Lauren's process best illustrates: A. Parsimony B. Pragmatism C. Determinism D. Empiricism

D Correct: Empiricism is derived from experimental science and evidence. By using a withdrawal/reversal design, Lauren has demonstrated experimental control through experimentation. Experimentation would be an appropriate answer, but you'll notice that it's not here:)

Eric has a tendency to forget his wallet on his desk. In order to reduce his forgetfulness, Eric has programmed his Tesla to display the following message on screen before starting, "Don't forget your keys, phone and wallet." Eric has programmed a: A. Response prompt B. Stimulus prompt C. Redundancy D. Verbal prompt

D Correct: Eric has utilized a type of response prompt known as a verbal prompt. Verbal prompts can be written or spoken prompts (Cooper, et al, p. 283, 2020).

Hector typically receives reinforcement from his mother on an FR 5 schedule of reinforcement when they are in the car. He receives reinforcement on an FR 3 schedule when they are outside of the car. Which compound schedule of reinforcement does this best represent? A. Concurrent B. Alternative C. Conjunctive D. Multiple

D Correct: Hector's behavior seems to be on two different schedules of reinforcement that are not available at the same time. One is available when he is in the car - which also serves as an SD - and the other is available when he is not in the car. This is a multiple schedule of reinforcement. Multiple schedules operate independently and successively (i.e., not at the same time) and have an SD present (Cooper, et al, p. 278).

A learner was taught to receptively identify a bus picture by pointing to it when the BCBA said "bus." The BCBA also taught the learner to identify the written word bus by placing it on the picture of the bus. Regular probes were conducted and the learner would say the word "bus," when shown a bus driving by. This last utterance is a(n): A. Emergent stimulus relation B. Reflexive stimulus relation C. Symmetrical stimulus relation D. Mand

A Correct: By testing for derived stimulus relations and observing responding without training, emergent stimulus relations have been developed in this scenario. The learner was taught to identify a bus picture, as well as to match a bus with the written word bus. The derived relation occurs when the learner establishes the spoken word "bus" in the presence of an actual bus driving by. This wasn't explicitly trained (Cooper, et al, p. 455).

Conditioned reinforcers can be best described as: A. A list of items/events that have been delivered in juxtaposition to other events with reinforcing properties. B. A list of items/events that all people share, and have been paired with unconditioned reinforcers C. A list of items/events that act to increase a variety of behaviors D. A list of items/events that are antithetical to punishers and are delivered prior to responses

A Correct: Conditioned reinforcers are unique to the individual (although we may all share some common ones) and have been created by the temporal proximity of their delivery to either unconditioned reinforcers or other conditioned reinforcers (Cooper, et al, p. 38, 2020).

Scott works at a coffee shop, he can complete an order in one minute - 5 seconds to get started and 55 seconds to finish, on average. When Scott is making 2 or more drinks he starts the next drink in the cue 10 seconds after the first drink is completed. Scott's manager checks his progress and notes 5 completed drinks at the counter for 5 different customers. What measurement procedure is most suitable to accurately measure the amount of time it takes Scott to make a latte? A. Rate B. Latency C. IRT D. Permanent Product

A Correct: Here the rate of production for Scott is one order per minute. Note that this includes the 5-second latency and the duration of making a drink. Duration might be another good answer, but isn't a choice.

Ron is working with Derek on counting from 1-10. Progress was slow and Ron was having a hard time engaging Derek in this task. Then, he noticed Derek's interest in the music of a peer. Ron played the same song while counting from 1-10. Derek's engagement in the activities increased and he was able to complete the task. Ron had Derek try without the music again, but with no success. Ron played the song with Derek a week later and, again, Derek was able to count from 1-10. What has Ron seemingly demonstrated? A. Internal validity B. Alternating treatments C. A preference assessment D. Operant conditioning

A Correct: Internal validity is the extent to which the treatment being implemented is resulting in the desired behavior change, and is not the result of another variable not related to the treatment plan. In this example, Ron introduced music, withdrew it and then reintroduced it. These two replications strongly suggest that the intervention (music) did the trick.

Karan works for a big corporation and always has something to finish. Some tasks are more important than others, but she feels the need to work on all the projects at the same time. This has led to multiple deadlines being missed for important projects. Karan's on thin ice. What would be the most effective modification Karan can make to her work environment? A. Make a to-do list and prioritize B. Task analyze tasks, while removing other distraction from the work area C. Use a dependent group contingency for herself D. Implement a reinforcement schedule: if she meets her deadlines then she will receive a Starbucks card

A Correct: Making a to-do list will help Karan to know which items need to be done first, and help to maximize her productivity and efficiency. This is a common and easy to implement self-management tool that will lead to better outcomes.

Jazz and her son Marvin played Monopoly every day, and Marvin knows that anytime he adds a railroad to his arsenal he gets to collect more cash! Later that week he played Star Wars Monopoly with his brother and only went for the Capital Ships that function as the railroad in the original game. Marvin has most likely achieved: A. Stimulus Equivalence B. Transitivity C. Symmetry D. Reflexivity

A Correct: Marvin was able to derive that the Capital Ships in Star Wars Monopoly were equivalent to the railroads in the original Monopoly game. This relation represents a derived relation (Cooper, et al, p. 455). It's not specifically any one "part" of stimulus equivalence.

Nalie is a scientist that works at an arctic research facility. The average winter temperature in the arctic is -34 degrees Fahrenheit. Nalie is required to go outside 3 times per day. Her reminder alarm sounds and she gets ready. When the exterior door opens, Nalie immediately begins to shiver from the cold. It didn't take long before Nalie began to shiver whenever she saw the door. Recently, Nalie even shivered when she heard her alarm. The shiver at the sound of her alarm likely represents which of the following: A. Higher-order conditioning B. Pavlovian conditioning C. Operant conditioning D. Proximity conditioning

A Correct: Nalie shivered whenever she went outside. After repeated pairings of the door (NS) with the cold (UCS), the door became a conditioned stimulus through the process of Pavlovian conditioning (A.K.A., respondent conditioning) causing her to shiver. The door (CS) was then paired with the reminder alarm (NS) until the alarm alone caused her to shiver. This next-level conditioning is referred to as higher-order or secondary conditioning (Cooper, et al, p. 32, 2020).

Keeton was not implementing programs with fidelity; other RBTs noticed, too. His supervisor tried using BST in group staff supervision. The supervisor then added a self-monitoring checklist for Keeton. What else might Keeton's supervisor do? A. Peer monitoring B. Implement behavior skills training C. Give Keeton another assignment D. Discuss the situation with Keeton privately

A Correct: Peer monitoring would be the best additional intervention. It seems that Keeton has RBT colleagues. This is also the only answer that helps to solve the problem and hasn't been tried.

Fran is a 13-year old female diagnosed with ASD. A behavior analyst consulted with Fran's parents, and their report was that Fran verbally agrees to do chores, but ends up forgetting them and they get done by mom or dad. One parent says that they attempted a chore chart and this worked for a while. This statement by the parent best exemplifies which of the following? A. Pragmatism B. Parsimony C. Selectionism D. Determinism

A Correct: Pragmatism is a philosophical position that, among other things, states that it is only important to find answers to questions that are worth asking. Add to this that if you find a result that works, you've found your answer. In this scenario, the parent apparently felt some success with a chore chart and that "means" - in a pragmatic sense - that chore charts work and that's all you need to know (Cooper, et al, p. 12, 2020).

Quan, a BCBA, recently took over supervision duties for a new ABA company. Quan is concerned that one of his supervisees, Leslie, was not properly trained. Leslie has been an RBT for 2 years. She also has a bachelor's degree in ABA. Leslie enjoys being the center of attention and typically takes feedback well. Which of the following would be the LEAST appropriate goal to implement for Leslie? A. Leslie will implement treatment fidelity at 80% B. Leslie will conduct programs with 70% or higher fidelity after BST is implemented C. Leslie will re-state 3 pieces of feedback given during supervision D. Leslie will produce a permanent product after each supervision meeting

A Correct: Quan is concerned that Leslie has not been properly trained. In order to set Leslie up for success, prior to implementing a goal that relates to treatment fidelity, Quan should use BST to train Leslie. If he implements a fidelity goal without first training Leslie, she is unlikely to meet this goal, especially if she has not been trained properly (BACB Supervisor Training Curriculum 2.0).

Sammy worked with Josh for six months when Sammy noticed that Josh did not attend as well when his name was called or in response to simple requests, as he had previously. Sammy wanted to have Josh reliably respond again. Sammy determined, through preference assessments, that some of Josh's reinforcers are gummy bears, chips and slurpees. Using these items, Sammy has now been able to run sessions with consistent attention from Josh. What scientific principle is best represented by Sammy's session with Josh? A. Control B. Replication C. Description D. Consistency

A Correct: Sammy was able to use reinforcers to increase a client's behavior.

Karen and Mike have been working within the context of a supervisor/supervisee relationship for the past year. The two had a romantic relationship that ended one year ago. The two of them have been working with Roseann, a 5-year-old-girl who has little communication skills and high rates of elopement. Karen notices that Roseann's elopement is the highest during transitions from a highly preferred task to a non-preferred task. Mike often does not present a transition icon, which is a part of the behavior intervention plan. What should Karen do? A. Karen should write a goal: Immediately, Mike will use transition icons in 9 out of 10 transition opportunities across settings, as collected by supervisor observation." B. Karen should mark the failure in her supervision notes for discussion at their next formal meeting. C. Karen should set appropriate professional boundaries with Mike. D. Karen should help Mike to find another supervisor, as there is a multiple relationship between Mike and herself.

A Correct: Setting a goal for Mike makes the most sense, as the only problem presented in the scenario is Mike's failure to follow the intervention plan. See section 4.d.ii of the BACB®'s supervision curriculum training outline 2.0.

Kevin can open a bag of chips with his teeth, a pair of scissors or a knife. Scissors, a knife and Kevin's teeth are all part of the same: A. Functional stimulus class B. Response class C. Formal stimulus class D. Temporal stimulus class

A Correct: The FUNCTION of all these separate stimuli is "opening the chips."

As a BCBA that specializes in athletic performance, you have created a program to increase the strength and conditioning of local high school athletes. You begin by requiring each athlete to bench press 225 pounds. Upon successful completion of that exercise, the athlete is then required to squat 225 pounds. If they are successful at this feat, they are then required to deadlift 225 pounds. Athletes that accomplish this: A. Have achieved response generalization B. Have achieved response discrimination C. Have achieved stimulus discrimination D. Have achieved stimulus generalization

A Correct: The athlete is able to bench, squat, and deadlift 225 pounds. Benching, squatting, and deadlifting represent three different responses and the 225 pounds represents a single stimulus. The athlete has achieved response generalization by engaging in a variety of functionally equivalent responses to similar stimuli (Cooper, et al, p. 718, 2020).

Your client engages in aggression. The behavior is maintained by negative reinforcement. In the past, reinforcement procedures alone have been ineffective. You meet with your team, in order to review possible interventions. The team decides that response blocking and escape extinction will be added to the plan. Now, you should: A. Collect and analyze weekly data on the plan. B. Refer to another behavior analyst who has more experience implementing punishment. C. Only use reinforcement; eliminate all punishment procedures. D. Add an alternative behavior and contingent reinforcement to the plan.

A Correct: The last statement in section 2.15 of the ethics code states, "Behavior analysts must continually evaluate and document the effectiveness of restrictive or punishment-based procedures and modify or discontinue the behavior-change intervention in a timely manner if it is ineffective." The previous code required the use of reinforcement along with punishment procedures. The new code has revised this to mention the minimization of harm, considering a cost/benefit analysis, recommending a review process and continuous monitoring of the intervention's effects.

Going through a particularly difficult emotional situation in your personal life, you wonder if it has affected your ability to provide quality services to your clients. This thought is most relevant to which of the 4 core principles of the ethical code for behavior analysts? A. Benefit others B. Treat others with compassion, dignity and respect C. Behave with integrity D. Ensure competence

A Correct: The most relevant principle here is your ability to provide benefit to your clients (or not).

You have a supervisee who arrives late to supervision sessions and often to her home visit appointments. She says that her tardiness is due to difficulties in transporting her child to and from preschool. Which strategy should be utilized to improve your supervisee's performance? A. Express your understanding and set clear expectations. B. Offer to pick her child up from preschool. C. Have a conversation with your supervisee in which you try to understand and solve the transportation problem. D. Use a stern voice when relating your disappointment with the supervisee's performance.

A Correct: There are, in my opinion, two main contingencies at play here. One is the supervisee's commitment to transporting her child. Another is the commitment to clients. Your professional responsibility is to clients and ensuring that they receive effective treatment. Whatever you might communicate, clear expectations with contingencies for compliance/non-compliance need to be set.

Aeon would often do his homework, but forget to turn it in. His backpack was full of late assignments until he and his teacher worked out a procedure. She would greet Aeon and thank him for dropping his homework into a basket before taking his seat. This worked well last year. When Aeon moved into the 6th grade this year, he went back to his old habits, however. Why did Aeon's behavior revert to his previous behavior? A. A lack of maintenance B. A reinforcement delay C. Technological problem D. Observer drift

A Correct: This is very likely a lack of maintenance. That is, Aeon's "new" behavior did not receive reinforcement. There are many factors that probably contribute to this, such as a different teacher (perhaps ignorant of the plan), a delay over a break, a different environment, etc. In any case, the behavior would likely have continued if it had received reinforcement.

For the past year, Beniffer has been removing computer games from Justy when she engages in SIB. When Justy's video game is removed, she screams loudly for about 10 seconds. It's painfully loud for Beniffer to listen to, so they have stopped removing Justy's video game at all. How should Beniffer's supervisor go about addressing Beniffer's behavior? A. Provide ear protection to Beniffer. B. Provide reinforcement for the absence of screaming. C. Use extinction. D. Implement a response cost to Beniffer for failing to remove the video game.

A Correct: Two things: 1) Focus on the implication that Beniffer's failure to remove video games likely serves an escape function 2) Find an answer that would help Beniffer escape Justy's scream. Providing ear protection might accomplish this. (Cooper et al., 2020, pp. 227-229).

If a BACB certified individual also holds a physical therapist license, which ethics statement is most relevant to entering into professional contracts? A. Behavior analysts do not advertise nonbehavioral services as behavioral services. B. Behavior analysts do not advertise nonbehavioral services. C. Behavior analysts do not engage in nonbehavioral services when contracted for behavioral services. D. Behavior analysts must contract for behavioral services only, unless the certificant is professionally licensed to provide other services, in which case, a certificant must either contract for behavioral services or for other professional services; not both.

A Correct: We can advertise for whatever services we are qualified to provide. However, we need to separate behavioral services from any others and take care not to represent anything nonbehavioral as being ABA. This statement is straight from the ethics code.

When Torianne scolds her daughter, her daughter stops complaining. Her daughter complains less than she used to, but Torianne continues to scold her daughter when she does complain. Torianne's behavior has been: A. Negatively reinforced B. Positively punished C. Positively reinforced D. Negatively punished

A Correct: When given a scenario question such as this, it can be helpful to look at the last portion of the question: "...her daughter stops complaining," in order to determine the correct answer. Torianne's behavior was followed by a removal of complaints (negative). She also continued to behave in the same way in the future (reinforcement). It can be helpful to think of negative reinforcement as a form of relief.

A skill assessment for a new client should include strengths and deficits as well as: A. Cusp behaviors B. Social validity of the skills C. IOA of the skills D. A review of records

A Correct: When interpreting assessment results, you should identify the client's strengths (which can be used to support learning) Identify client's skill deficits, particularly the most significant deficits, any cusps or prerequisites, and review the results with the team. Assessment is a systematic way of selecting potential skills to be taught and these should include any identified cusp behaviors (Mayer et al., 2019, pp. 50-56).

1. Scott is developing a sight word fluency program for his client. Scott is measuring the effectiveness of having each client write the same words five times vs. reading the words five times, using a withdraw/reversal experimental design. Scott finds similar success with both methods. Analyzing the graph, which is the most likely explanation of the results? A. Writing words is more effective than reading words B. This behavior may be irreversible C. Reading words is more effective than writing words D. Another baseline is required

B =Correct: Irreversibility, is to be considered when using a reversal design. Some behaviors, once taught, cannot be reversed to pre-intervention levels. Therefore a reversal of treatment can not take place and is ill advised for such behavior. Some examples are using the restroom, reading, writing and riding a bike. Once learned, you can't go back.

Advantages of the above (chaning criterion) single-subject design include: A. A comparison of behaviors for a single subject and a return to baseline B. No return to baseline is necessary C. Allows for unrestricted increases in client behavior D. Useful for behaviors outside a client's repertoire

B Correct: A changing criterion design has the advantage of not needing a return to baseline to demonstrate experimental control. According to Mayer, "The source of control in this design depends on the behavior falling within the step-like criterion bands." (Mayer, 2019, 563).

Advantages of the above (changin criterion) single-subject design include: A. A comparative analysis can be conducted. B. Allows for increase or decrease in magnitude of behavior. C. No control of direction and/or level of change is required. D. Behavior should be irreversible.

B Correct: A changing criterion design has the advantage of not needing a return to baseline to demonstrate experimental control. According to Mayer, "The source of control in this design depends on the behavior falling within the step-like criterion bands." (Mayer, 2019, 563). Changing criterion designs can be used to increase or decrease the frequency, rate or magnitude of behavior.

Scott is a baseball coach. He wants to increase his team's batting average and has read about an innovative approach to the swing. He divides his team into two. One group continues with the current swing and the other is taught the new swing technique. Scott sees an average improvement in the "new swing" group, when compared to the "current swing" group. Completing this study with a single-subject design, instead of between subjects, would have what advantage? A. Using a statistical analysis of individual batter results B. Comparing the pre and post intervention scores for each batter C. Understanding the average results per group D. Determining whether the intervention had an effect for the control group

B Correct: A single-subject or within-subject design has the advantage of comparing each individual on performance before and after intervention. This is very different from a between-subjects design that compares the average of a control group versus an intervention group.

Elevation Bar & Grill always had a two drink minimum. On Friday nights, they also ran a promotion in which every 2 hours patrons could purchase a select beverage for $2. The bar's promotion is represented by which of the following? A. Alternative schedule of reinforcement B. Fixed time schedule of reinforcement C. Fixed interval schedule of reinforcement D. Conjunctive schedule of reinforcement

B Correct: By offering a $2 drink every 2 hours, the bar implemented a fixed interval 2 hour schedule of reinforcement. A critical component of an interval schedule is that a response is required to contact reinforcement. In this case, the response is ordering a drink. An interval schedule only allows a behavioral occurrence to contact reinforcement every so often. Notice that patrons could likely order a drink anytime, but not get it for $2 until it was time to do so (Cooper, et al, p. 307, 2020).

Denise and Roxy have similar behavior deficits and similar schedules. A behavior analyst has spent extensive time and effort in developing and implementing Roxy's plan, which is proving to be very effective. How should the behavior analyst proceed with developing a treatment plan for Denise? A. In order to determine external validity, implement the same procedures with Denise as with Roxy. B. Complete a separate functional assessment for Denise. C. Use the same assessment plan for both, just ensure the ecological variables correspond to the client. D. Do a separate functional analysis, but the same behavior supports can be applied to both clients.

B Correct: Complete a separate functional assessment and plan for Denise. Our ethics, Code 2.14 Selecting, Designing, and Implementing Behavior-Change Interventions, sentence 5, states that behavior analysts choose assessments that "best meet the diverse needs, context, and resources of the client and stakeholders." This is individualized to each client.

Leslie asks Ron's about his red meat consumption and compares his answers to the American Heart Association's recommendation, in order to determine how great a reduction in Ron's red meat consumption will be meaningful to his health. Which method for assessing socially valid goals is being used? A. Behavioral interview B. Criterion-referenced assessment C. Normative comparison D. Norm-referenced assessment or curricula

B Correct: Examples of Criterion-Referenced Assessments used by behavior analysts include the VB-MAPP and Essentials for Living. These kinds of assessments specify criteria for mastery or proficiency, but also to identify deficits. For example, a criterion-referenced assessment might be used to determine that a student's reading comprehension is at a 4th grade level.

You know that your client likes bubbles, listening to music, riding a tricycle and eating jello. Your client does not like sitting, gooey materials on their hands, being told "No" or the vacuum. You've taught your client to mand for some items using single words, but want to strengthen this behavior, which of the following is the best choice? A. Reinforce two-word mands with jello. B. Go with your client when they say "walk." C. Give your client the item/activity when they say "music" or "vacuum." D. Place the bubbles on a high shelf, but clearly visible to your client.

B Correct: Going for a walk is reinforcing the mand. Ok, you have to see "going for a walk" as the opposite of sitting (which your client avoids), and something that your client would like. If you didn't/don't see it this way, I understand, although this answer is the only example of an immediate consequence for strengthening one-word mands.

Ron was in biology class where he learned that over millions of years, what once was something that looked similar to a wolf on land, became more aquatic, changed shape and eventually became a whale. Ron was so interested in what he learned in class, he told his friends. They did not believe him and decided to hang out with new friends from then on. The changes made from a common wolf-like ancestor to eventual whales describes: A. Determinism B. Phylogeny C. Ontogeny D. Naturalistic

B Correct: Phylogeny describes the selected inheritance (evolutionary history) of a species or group - like whales.

Vanessa created a program that would potty train her son, a 1-year-old male diagnosed with ASD. She meticulously planned out the intervention plan and included loads of SR+. Vanessa asked her mother to participate in the intervention as well. Vanessa implemented the program. After a little over a year, her son uses the bathroom consistently. Vanessa's intervention doesn't seem to take into account which ABA dimension? A. Conceptually systematic B. Applied C. Technological D. Generality

B Correct: Potty training is an important skill. However, it is not generally age-appropriate for a 1-year-old. The average age of potty training is 27 months old. Age appropriateness is a critical piece of social significance and relates to the applied dimension of behavior (Cooper, et al, p. 16, 2020). Another way to put this is that the skill wasn't a problem at 1 year of age.

Which procedure does NOT exemplify positive punishment, given that each example decreases the future frequency of the behavior? A. Scott is lectured about not completing assignments on time B. Frank receives a parking violation for parking in a reserved space C. Gina implements response interruption and redirection with her client D. Heather must stay an 3 additional minutes after class when she arrives late

B Correct: Receiving a parking violation, much like a speeding fine, is a form of negative punishment. Negative punishment involves removing an item or activity or amount of time with an item or activity to decrease the future frequency of a behavior (Cooper, et al, p. 352, 2020). Taking your money is negatively reinforcing for most of us.

Salina is a new BCBA in a new company and the current staff are used to having remote supervisors who perform infrequent supervision due to time constraints. How can Salina best set performance expectations for her staff? A. Send a memo to all staff listing her performance expectations. B. Review written expectations at her first supervisory meeting. C. Set more professional expectations for her staff. D. Update the shared work calendar with an updated, more frequent supervision schedule.

B Correct: Salina needs to set performance expectations for her staff as explicitly as possible and in person. This helps the staff know what is expected of them while allowing for clear feedback to be given regarding performance, as well as answering questions.

Salina is a new BCBA in a new company that just opened a clinic. The RBT staff are used to having remote supervisors. What are some things Salina should set up with her staff? A. Continue remote supervision and fade to live sessions. B. Set performance expectations for her staff. C. Collaborate with other professionals within the clinic. D. Work within the established culture of the office.

B Correct: Salina should set performance expectations for her staff. This helps the staff know what is expected of them, especially in terms of supervision. With new staff and a new position, the clearer that Salina can be, the better. (Mayer, 2019, p.528-529)

A behavior analyst begins working with a client who's interview revealed several possible target behaviors. Which one of his problem behaviors would be considered the most important to address immediately? A. Pica. He swallowed a coin once as a toddler. B. Visual self-stimulatory behavior of looking up at ceiling lights and fans. This behavior gets in the way of him interacting with peers and performing tasks at home and school. C. Self-induced vomiting. He has made himself vomit about 1 time per month on average. It typically occurs in the morning before breakfast. D. Setting fires. He has done this twice but it has not occurred in 15 years.

B Correct: Since this is getting in the way of him interacting with peers and performing tasks at home and school, this would be the behavior considered the most important to address immediately. This is really the key to this section. Look for how a behavior is affecting a client.

For the past week, Sarah has not taken out the trash. Sarah's mom wants to increase the frequency of Sarah's taking out the trash, and offers Sarah 5 dollars every time she takes out the trash. After 2 weeks, Sarah's mom stops paying her for a week until starting to pay her again. Daily frequency data is taken, in order to see if 5 dollars for taking out the trash will increase this behavior. Sarah's mother experiment is: A. Externally valid B. A single subject design C. A multiple baseline design D. Internally valid

B Correct: Single subject designs are experimental designs in which the subject is their own control - as opposed to studies that compare a group of participants to another group and statistically analyze the differences. This allows for a functional relationship between the independent variable and dependent variable to be easily determined in a visual analysis FOR THAT PERSON (Cooper, 2020,p.159).

Joe enjoys gambling and regularly visits Las Vegas, in order to try his hand at the slot machines. Joe presses the "spin" button and is sometimes rewarded. He's won anywhere from $1 at a time, to as much as $4000 over the past 3 years. A slot machine, in behavior analytics terms, can be best described as: A. A fixed ratio schedule B. An indiscriminable contingency C. A variable interval schedule D. A time-based schedule

B Correct: Slot machines provide reinforcement on an intermittent reinforcement schedule, meaning that you never know when reinforcement will be provided. Indiscriminable contingencies means utilizing a reinforcement schedule in which the learner (or Joe) does not know what response (pressing "spin") will contact reinforcement. Indiscriminable contingencies are one of the 7 ways to program for generalization (Cooper, et al, p. 733, 2020).

As a science, behavior analysis aims to do all of the following EXCEPT: A. Use experimentation to describe, predict, and control/manage behavior. B. Use applied behavior analysis to improve the lives of clients and those around them in contrived situations. C. Investigate why people do what they do. D. Show that an intervention, and that intervention alone, is responsible for behavior change.

B Correct: The key is the word "contrived." We actually want to improve clients' 'lives within their "natural" environments. Not just, for instance, a clinical or research setting (Mayer, 2019, p7-8).

Ja Rule completed a course on measurement, and his supervisor decided that he could now assist in calculating IOA for research sessions. Ja Rule has read about how to calculate IOA and is very excited to work on this task. Given that Ja Rule has no direct experience calculating IOA, what should his supervisor have done differently? A. Assign the task to an employee who has the skills to accept this responsibility. B. Only assign tasks to Ja Rule that she has seen him perform to mastery. C. Do the task herself. D. Only assign tasks to Ja Rule which he can be expected to perform competently.

B Correct: This one is hard, because the previous ethics code only required that the supervisee could be expected to perform, but the new ethics code uses the verb "confirm." Review Ethics Code 4.09 Delegation of Tasks (see 1.03) - "Behavior analysts delegate tasks to their supervisees or trainees only after confirming that they can competently perform the tasks and that the delegation complies with applicable requirements (e.g., BACB rules, licensure requirements, funder and organization policies)."

When developing interventions for a client, all of the following ethical considerations are required, EXCEPT: A. Interventions that are consistent with behavioral principles B. Interventions that reduce maladaptive behaviors C. Interventions that are based on assessment results D. Interventions that best meet stakeholders' needs

B Correct: When developing an intervention, it is critical that the intervention be individualized to meet the specific needs of the client. Reducing maladaptive behaviors is often a focus of intervention, but so are skill acquisition, self-management strategies and changing of antecedent conditions (BACB ethical code 2.14).

Your mom modeled the use of her new air fryer. When she was finished, she let you give it a shot. You seemed to handle the task very well and she let you know that when you were done. Now, you can use the fryer on your own. Your mother's training is best described as: A. Errorless teaching B. Prompt fading C. Stimulus fading D. Reinforcement

B Correct: Your mother's initial model prompt was removed (faded) without the need for any more prompting.

Which of the following best exemplifies functional control in a changing criterion design? A. After the first criterion of sitting for 5 minutes is met, increase the criterion to 8 minutes. B. Meeting the criteria of sitting for 5 minutes, 8 minutes, and then 5 minutes. C. After sitting has been achieved for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes in participant one, implement the intervention with participant 2. D. Once sitting for 5 minutes, 7 minutes, 9 minutes, and 13 minutes have been met, reduce the amount of reinforcement provided for meeting the criterion.

B Correct: When establishing and confirming a functional relation in a changing criterion design, a bi-directional change can help confirm that the intervention is effective. In a bi-directional change the criterion is reduced to that of a previous level (or, at least, in the opposite direction). A functional relation can also be assessed by measuring the magnitude of changes as well as the number of sessions that a criterion remains in effect (Cooper, et al, p. 2010, 2020).

Anacleto is a manager responsible for staffing and Zuri is a nurse practitioner. Zuri was scheduled for a 5-day vacation when Anacleto sent him an email asking him to cover 2 shifts. Zuri replied that he would be out of the state and could not work these shifts. Zuri's behavior can be best described as a(n): A. Autoclitic B. Intraverbal C. Mand D. Duplic

B Correct: Zuri responded to text - which is considered a verbal stimulus - with text. This represents an intraverbal response. It is critical to remember that intraverbal behavior does not always have to be spoken behavior. It can be spoken, written, signed, typed in Braille, etc. Intraverbal behavior is the relation between a verbal response being controlled by a verbal SD, it does not include point-to-point correspondence and does not require formal similarity (Cooper, et. al, p 416, 2020).

While shopping on Black Friday, you find a steal of a deal on Yeti ramblers (insulated cups). Originally priced at $29.99, the ramblers are now priced at just $9.99. You spend $99.90 on Ramblers and give one to each of your 10 supervisees for the holidays. What, if any, is the ethical dilemma in this scenario? A. The original value of the gift is above $10, leading to an ethical violation B. The total purchase price was well over $10, leading to an ethical violation C. Due to the sale price, there is no ethical violation D. Due to the frequency of gift giving there is no ethical violation

C Correct: According to the ethical code, a gift is acceptable to give and/or receive, as long as "... it functions as an infrequent expression of gratitude and does not result in financial benefit to the recipient." This item was under $10 in value when purchased, making it acceptable (BACB ethical code 1.12).

Julie Ann is a newly certified BCBA who works as an independent provider in a rural area of Montana. She only has 3 clients and would like to acquire 2 more. She was referred to a client with severe self-injurious behavior (SIB) who must wear a protective helmet and gloves at all times, in order to ensure his safety. Julie Ann is interested in helping this individual and decides to take him on as long as she hires a mentor with SIB experience. She finds a mentor, but he quits at the last minute. Julie Ann provided services for 6 months, before parents terminated services. When her supervisor quit, what should Julie Ann have done? A. Given parents a copy of the ethical code B. Explained the relevant ethical codes to parents C. Been accountable to parents D. Remained within her scope of practice

C Correct: At the point when her mentor quit, Julie needed to be accountable to parents by informing them that services could not begin until appropriate supervision was obtained. Section 1.03 of the code notes that behavior analysts address commitment failures directly and in the interest of clients.

Liqui's training and experience is in the educational setting with preschoolers through young adults. She now has an opportunity to interview with a company focused on bringing ABA into the everyday workplace. Liqui needs to: A. Receive training and/or supervision before considering a position with the company B. Inform the company that she has no experience or training C. Remain within the scope of practice for which she has experience and training D. Notify the company of her experience and training

C Correct: At this point, Liqui simply needs to be honest about her education, training and experience. If she were to be offered a position, she would need to undertake some training and, likely, supervision.

Components of behaviorism include: A. Stimulus-Response-Consequence B. Description, Prediction, Control C. Philosophy, basic research, applied research and practice D. Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence

C Correct: Behaviorism, or the philosophy of the science of behavior includes: Philosophy, basic research (EAB), applied research (ABA). (Cooper, 2020, p7)

Gabby woke up and hit the "snooze" button on the alarm. She rolled out of bed and brushed her teeth. She asked her brother to make some coffee, because she was running late. When she couldn't find her phone, she had her mom call her to find it. Finally, Gabby got in the car and her dad dropped her off at school. Which describes an automatic reinforcement contingency? A. The alarm clock B. Making coffee C. Brushing her teeth D. The alarm clock's buzzing

C Correct: Brushing your teeth is a sensory activity. The behavior also directly accesses this sensory reinforcement. Direct access to reinforcement is in contrast with socially-mediated contingencies.

Functional Analysis in ABA can mean: A. Control over the occurrence of behavior B. Indirect assessments focused on why people do what we do C. Determining environmental variables and contingencies that maintain behavior D. Stimulus and response

C Correct: Functional relations between environmental variables and behavior, as well as the experimental methodology for determining environmental variables and contingencies maintaining problem behavior, are both stated as meanings of functional analysis in Copper's Applied Behavior Analysis (Cooper, 2020, p. 6-7).

In order for a generalized conditioned reinforcer to be effective, it requires: A. A state of deprivation B. A state of satiation C. Neither an establishing operation nor an abolishing operation D. Pairing with other generalized conditioned reinforcers

C Correct: Generalized conditioned reinforcers tend to be extremely effective due to the fact that they do not require any specific EO or AO, in order to be effective. This can be attributed to the fact that generalized conditioned reinforcers have been paired with many unconditioned and conditioned reinforcers (Cooper, et al, p. 264, 2020).

Gil is a BCBA, working for an agency. He's just too busy to get all of his work done. The agency asks him to take on supervision for a new-hire BCaBA. What should Gil do, according to the BACB's ethical code? A. Inform his employer that he cannot take on this supervisee. B. Accept the supervisee because Gil believes that the BCaBA won't require much supervision. C. Refuse the new supervisee and document the situation. D. Gil has a contractual obligation. He should accept the supervisee.

C Correct: Gil should inform his employer that he currently cannot take on that responsibility. He has too many other responsibilities. The ethical code, section 4.03 Supervisory Volume (see 1.02, 1.05, 2.01) states that "behavior analysts take on only the number of supervisees or trainees that allows them to provide effective supervision and training." He also needs to document his assessment of the situation and inform his employer.

Roger wasn't wearing a mask at work, even though his employer required a face covering over the mouth and nose while on the sales floor, interacting with customers. He said it was too hot and he couldn't breathe very well. Which strategy is likely to get Roger to wear his mask? A. Tell Roger that if he wears a mask on the sales floor, that he may keep his job. B. Fire Roger for insubordination. C. Provide Roger a transparent face shield instead of a mask. D. Offer Amazon gift cards to employees who wear face coverings on the sales floor.

C Correct: I really want to tell Roger to put on a mask or get another job, but this is more about using the function of staff behavior. Just like changing client behavior, understanding and using the reinforcers that control staff behavior should be considered.

The ethical code for behavior analysts includes four core principles. These are to treat others with compassion, dignity and respect, to benefit others, to behave with integrity and: A. To do no harm B. To keep client information confidential C. To ensure competence D. To renew BACB certification

C Correct: The ethical code's introduction mentions these four ideals as "core principles" and some examples of each. The purpose of these core values is to provide a framework for interpretation of the code in any specific situation relevant to the behavior analyst.

Scott works at a coffee shop, he can complete an order in one minute from when the order was placed by the customer - 15 seconds to get started and 45 seconds to complete the order. Scott can complete 15 drinks in 20 minutes. To ensure the quality of service Scott's manager observes him making drinks and records 5 instances of drinks orders being completed in 5 minutes. Which is an example of latency? A. The 45 seconds that it takes Scott to complete a drink order after it was placed. B. The seconds between completing an order and beginning the next. C. The time before beginning the order; after it has been placed. D. The minute that it takes Scott to finish an order once it is placed.

C Correct: Latency is a measurement of the time it takes from when the SD is given (order placed) and the beginning of the response (start to make the drink). We might want to know why it takes Scott 15 seconds to get started and see if we can reduce this period.

Sam is a 6-year-old-boy with self-injurious behaviors, aggression and elopement. He also has limited communication skills. His therapist, Ashely is new to the field of ABA. Ashley's supervisor continues to meet with her weekly, view data and charts, as well as review video recordings of some of Ashley's sessions with other clients. However, Ashley's supervisor has not observed Sam and Ashley working together in the 5 months since Ashely arrived. Given these circumstances what is the likely outcome? A. Sam's behaviors will become worse, without adequate training of the staff. B. Sam will continue to maintain his skills over time. C. Ashley may become an ineffective supervisor herself. D. Ashley may be less compliant with her supervisor's instructions.

C Correct: Modeling of ineffective supervision practices may result in the production of ineffective supervisors (see section 2.d.ii of the BACB supervision training outline (2.0)).

Which of the following does not represent NCR? A. PRESenting a client with a reinforcer roughly ever 10 minutes B. Presenting a dog with a treat 5 minutes after arriving home C. Presenting an employee with a paycheck every other working week D. Giving the entire class a 1-minute break from demands every 10 minute

C Correct: NCR or non-contingent reinforcement is just time-based. It's not contingent on the occurrence of any particular response. You are requiring that work be done before offering paychecks. This is a fixed interval schedule of reinforcement (Cooper, et al, p. 616, 2020), rather than simply time-based.

Christina is a young girl who will not do something that she is not interested in doing. She will ignore the request and walk away from those speaking to her. The behavior happens about 5 times per day. The current goal is to reduce Christina's refusal to once per week. What else needs to be added to this intervention? A. Take a token from Christina when she engages in this behavior. B. Block Christina from leaving the work area during a session. C. Have Christina say, "I'd rather not right now, thanks." D. Ensure that Christina's behavior does not result in escape from the task.

C Correct: Ok, this is difficult. All of these could be part of the intervention. However, what NEEDS to be here is an acceptable alternative behavior. Saying, "I'd rather not" is an example of one.

Over the centuries, eye color in Iceland has changed from brown to predominantly blue. The change in eye color can be attributed to which scientific understanding? A. Ontogeny B. Phrenology C. Selectionism D. Determinism

C Correct: Phylogenetic selectionism, to be more precise. These genetic traits were "selected" for continuance into the next generations.

Which of the following LEAST likely represents a rate? A. Averaging 10 miles per hour B. Throwing 4 touchdowns in two games C. Shooting 5 free throws every 5 minutes D. Taking the number of animals tacted and averaging it over every session

C Correct: Rate is simply frequency divided by time. Reporting that you threw 4 touchdowns in two games is a representation of frequency. In order for this to represent rate, we would need to average it PER game (Cooper, et al, p. 84, 2020).

Which of these answers represents an intervention being implemented in order to strengthen a behavior? A. Fantasia's mother admonishes her and now she goofs off twice as much, just not when her mother is around. B. Harry's dog never sat on command. After being given a treat, he sits. C. Annie's father gave her 10 bucks whenever she took the trash out. Annie now takes the trash out every week. D. Larry gave Polly a cracker anytime Polly repeated a word. Polly went from repeating 10 words per hour to 40 words over 5 hours.

C Correct: Reinforcement strengthens behavior. When determining if a procedure serves as reinforcement, the future likelihood of the behavior should maintain or increase. Annie took the trash out, followed by a stimulus change: receiving $10. She kept taking the trash out, so we conclude that the $10 was a reinforcer.

Salina is a new supervisor at a local ABA company in her hometown. One month into the job, she is still getting used to her clients and reviewing lessons and their corresponding data. At the start of her second month, she has planned to overlap her clients with her supervisees, while modeling lessons and behavior intervention plans for her staff to implement with clients. Salina wants to build her staff's fluency with running different skill-building lessons and implementing different intervention plans. After staff have received this training from her, she plans to review her client's intervention data again. What is Salina most likely evaluating? A. The trend, variability and level of clients' behavior data. B. The quality and consistency of the staff implementation of the behavior intervention plans. C. The overall outcome of the client's based on the supervision provided. D. If the intervention is reducing behavior as intended.

C Correct: Salina is monitoring the effect of supervision on client outcomes. This is one way to evaluate her own supervision practices and adjust her behavior, based on the results.

Armand was asked by his boss to supervise a newly-minted BCBA, but Armand is quite busy with other tasks and isn't sure whether he can take on another responsibility and be effective. What should Armand do next? A. Reduce some other responsibilities in order to fulfill his boss' demand. B. Take on the supervisee, but communicate the difficulty with his boss. C. Document the threshold of clients that he believes he can effectively manage. D. Discuss the issue at the next staff meeting.

C Correct: Section 4.03 of the ethics code, regarding supervisory volume, says, "When behavior analysts determine that they have met their threshold volume for providing effective supervision, they document this self-assessment and communicate the results to their employer or other relevant parties." Since Armand is up against his self-assessed threshold, he needs to communicate this in writing.

You are working with the parents of a teenager. The youth has several household chores that need to be done each week and is not completing all of them with regularity. Assuming each would affect future behavior, which is an example of a conditioned reinforcer? A. Have the parents and the child sign an agreement on chore completion and the contingencies for compliance and noncompliance. B. If the child completes weekly chores, encourage the parents to provide a special meal on Fridays. C. Have the parents leave a chore list for their child every day unless the weekly chores are completed. D. Ask the parents to provide positive praise to their child about 5 times per day.

C Correct: The removal of the chore list, contingent upon completion of chores should become a conditioned negative reinforcer.

Sonny is a 5-year-old boy who often does not say "Hi" to others when meeting new people. He also only wants to talk about things he likes, regardless of the other person's response. His parents are a bit worried that he may have autism and have requested an assessment with the school district. Which consideration is most important in this case? A. Is there a formal diagnosis of ASD by a qualified professional B. Is the behavior a pivotal or cusp behavior C. Will behavior change make others interact differently with this client D. Will behavior change produce reinforcement in the natural environment

C Correct: The scenario suggests that the problem with this behavior is that it affects how others react to this client. Determining the social significance of behavior change, in this aspect, is one way to determine whether intervention is warranted.

Bella accepted a new client a month ago, but it has become clear to her that she does not have the experience necessary to serve this client. She sends the file to her mentor for a consultation with her on this case. Bella: A. Should refer her client to her mentor, rather than consult. B. Should talk to the client about the consultation and involve them in any plan changes. C. Should get informed consent to involve her mentor in this case. D. Should obtain the necessary training and experience to serve her client.

C Correct: There are a number of reasons why confidential information can be shared with other parties. The relevant one here is " when informed consent is obtained." Bella needs to get consent before relaying anything that might identify her client or offer information about her.

Jill is a local BCBA who oversees ten cases. Before Jill starts her observations, she always checks in with her staff to see how they are doing. How does checking in with her staff help Jill during the supervision process? A. This helps her get to know her staff better. B. This helps her build rapport and provide feedback. C. This helps her assess any staff issues that may affect the consistency of client intervention. D. This helps her to tailor her feedback for the staff that day.

C Correct: This helps her assess if there are any personal changes with staff that may affect the consistency of intervention with the client, Jill is using a form of indirect assessment. (Mayer, 2019, p.544-545)

The Siena Heights Saints head football coach, Jim Lyall, implemented a practice plan that included switching between stations every 5 minutes. The team would work on offense for 5 minutes and then switch to defense for 5 minutes. From there, the team would participate in strength drills for 5 minutes and then conditioning for 5 minutes. This continued for the entirety of the practice. In order to ensure productivity, Coach Lyall ensured that from the time one period ended to the time the next period began was always under 2 minutes. The measure of productivity that Coach Lyall used can be best described as: A. IRT B. Rule governed behavior C. Latency D. Behavioral momentum

C Correct: This is a bit of a tricky question that requires in-depth knowledge about the difference between IRT and latency. IRT is the time between two consecutive instances of the same behavior. The key here is that IRT measures between two instances of the SAME behavior. In this question, we see the team moving between different activities or behaviors, making IRT irrelevant. The time from the end of one activity to when the team begins the next activity would best be described as latency. The SD would be the end of one activity that signals it is time to start the next activity (before two minutes goes by) (Cooper, et al, p. 80, 2020).

Grandma Jo isn't sure why one of her client's is making very little progress and even regressing. Before she revamps the plan altogether, she wants to make sure that her procedures are being implemented correctly. What would you suggest? A. Find out what motivates each staff member, in order to offer more effective reinforcers. B. Determine staff and other stakeholder opinions on the validity of the intervention goals. C. Post the 5 major plan components on the wall in the training setting. D. Ensure that medical/biological factors have been ruled out.

C Correct: Treatment integrity (or plan fidelity) is the extent to which the behavior plan is implemented as written. Posting a part of the "recipe" of the plan may help remind staff of the necessary components. Making sure there is high treatment integrity ensures that if there is a lack of progress, the program may need changing. Or, at least, that the reason for lack of progress ISN'T plan drift.

Internal Validity can be demonstrated by all EXCEPT: A. No confounding variables or extraneous factors can explain your results. B. Your intervention precedes changes in your response variables. C. You are able to utilize your results across subjects. D. Responses change after your intervention

C Correct: You are able to utilize your results across subjects. This is a characteristic of EXTERNAL validity. For external validity remember generalization across subjects settings or times. Internal validity is the conclusion about how correct (valid) the relationship between two variables is. Cooper sums it up nicely: "The extent to which an experiment shows convincingly that the changes in behavior are a function of the independent variable and not the result of uncontrolled or unknown variables." (Cooper, 2020, p794)

Which is the best example of a defined professional role? A. Submitting changes of address to the BACB B. Submitting a journal article for publication C. Advising one on the code of ethics regarding gifts D. Completing behavioral research in your practicum

D Correct: A practicum involves a defined professional relationship with the research lab or college/university. There will be a contract of expectations between the student and superviso

Jack goes to Taekwondo every Tuesday night. Before he enters the building he straightens his clothing and adjusts his belt so that Master Jim doesn't admonish him. The building serves as a/an: A. An unconditioned stimulus B. A conditioned stimulus C. A stimulus delta D. A discriminative stimulus

D Correct: A stimulus, according to Mayer, is "a specific event or combination of events that affect behavior" (Mayer, 2019, p26). An SD, or discriminative stimulus, is one, in the presence of which, a behavior has been reliably reinforced. To find an SD look for a history of engagement with the stimulus, and a response (or response class) that generally follows it because it has received reinforcement.

Sumer conducts group staff meetings once a month. She shows videos of supervisee sessions and critiques everything that they did wrong. What should Sumer do to improve her own supervision? A. Provide feedback more often. B. Provide positive statements of encouragement. C. Provide any necessary corrective feedback privately. D. Differentially reinforce supervisee rehearsals.

D Correct: Here's section 4.06 of the Ethics Code: Providing Supervision and Training (see 1.02, 1.13 2.01) "Behavior analysts deliver supervision and training in compliance with applicable requirements (e.g., BACB rules, licensure requirements, funder and organization policies). They design and implement supervision and training procedures that are evidence based, focus on positive reinforcement, and are individualized for each supervisee or trainee and their circumstances." So, we need to provide reinforcement for correct responses and punish or extinguish incorrect responses when supervisees rehearse a skill.

Javier is a BCBA. He is also a licensed massage therapist. In which instance, would providing behavior analytic and massage services be allowable with the same client? A. This arrangement is prohibited B. Javier must make two separate contracts to provide both services to one client C. If behavioral or physical assessments reveal the need for services in both areas. D. Javier has the credentials to provide both services.

D Correct: In a slight change of direction from the previous ethics code, the current one (as of January 2022) says this: "Behavior analysts implement nonbehavioral services with clients only if they have the required education, formal training, and professional credentials to deliver such services."

Training was just completed on a new plan and the RBT demonstrated mastery with her supervisor, but is drifting from one specific aspect of intervention. What's the next step to improving this performance issue? A. Assess the competence of the RBT. B. Review the behavior plan for accuracy. C. Ensure that procedures are ethical. D. Assess contingencies governing the RBTs behavior.

D Correct: Just as with our client's, interventions with staff need to be function-based. The next step here is to find out (i.e., assess) why the RBT is failing to implement parts of a plan that she knows how to do.

Implementing this procedure typically results in an expeditious, suppressive effect on behavior as compared to other procedures: A. Positive reinforcement B. Extinction C. Differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors D. Response cost

D Correct: Punishment procedures typically lead to a rapid decrease in undesired behaviors. Response cost is an example of a punishment procedure that will likely lead to a rapid decrease in the frequency or duration of an undesired behavior (Cooper, et al, p. 362, 2020). Think about receiving a fine at work of $100, for example. I bet you'd stop doing whatever that was.

Which of the following best represents behavioral momentum? A. Presenting the following novel demands: touch head, clap hands, and then presenting a difficult demand B. Probing the following sequence: stand up, difficult demand, touch nose, and then another difficult demand. C. Presenting a difficult demand and then high-5, jump, turn around, sit. D. An increase in the likelihood of responding dependent on how demands are placed.

D Correct: Remember, behavioral momentum describes the effects of using a high-p sequence to make the last request more likely to occur than it would have without the sequence. Behavioral momentum is the increase in responding after presenting 2-5 high probability demands and then one low probability demand (Cooper, et al, p. 619, 2020).

Andrew, a BCBA-D, wanted to conduct research on the use of NCR in early intervention classrooms. Before commencing his research he must do all of the following except: A. Inform participants that data collected during the study may be disseminated to the scientific community and obtain informed consent regarding that caveat. B. Obtain approval from the appropriate research review committee. C. Disclose all information regarding the right to withdrawal from the study. D. Receive approval from the BACB to conduct the research.

D Correct: The Behavior Analyst Certification Board is not a formal research review board. It's not necessary to get their approval. In fact, it would be funny to call them and ask them :)

An employee that you supervise and have trained, has frequently rebuffed you when asked to implement a punishment procedure. You have observed implementation of the BIP and confirmed the lack of implementation. What is your next logical step? A. Ask the employee why they are not implementing the procedure B. Train the employee on implementation using BST C. Censure the employee D. Conduct ABC data

D Correct: The first step to addressing the problem is to identify the function of the behavior. Observing the implementation is a solid first step, pairing this with ABC data will allow the supervisor to formulate a hypothesis for the behavior. Our top section I tip is to treat this section just like section H. That is, use the process to determine the function of staff behavior in the same way that you determine client behavior (BACB Supervisor Training Curriculum Outline, 2.0).

Which of the following represents a foundational pillar of baseline logic? A. Jamison engages in 10 instances of a behavior prior to an intervention being implemented and 2 instances after the intervention is implemented. B. A BCBA states, "We'll teach Jamison to write his name." C. Jamison says, "This chair is blue, but the seat is black." D. Jamison says, "When the sun goes down, the moon will come up."

D Correct: The foundational pillars of baseline logic include three ideas: prediction, verification and replication. Stating that, "When the sun goes down, the moon will come up," is a scientific prediction. It is a hypothesis about what will happen in conjunction with another event. Predictions should only be made if there is an observed correlation between events, and that the two have some proposed mechanism by which a correlation could be caused (Cooper, et al, p.3, 2020). This prediction, BTW, will only sometimes be true.

Prediction, description, and control are germane to applied behavior analysis because: A. It allows for behavior analysts to identify the variables that influence behavior in the natural setting B. It allows us to determine a function C. It explains applied behavior analysis in lay terms D. It allows us to quantify behavior

D Correct: The goal of Applied Behavior Analysis is to improve the lives of our clients and those around our clients by managing/changing behavior. In order to do this, we must rely on the underpinnings of prediction, description, and control in order to quantify behavior. We not only need a place to begin, but to know whether anything has changed. (Mayer, 2019, p7)

Akiko is a behavior analyst with a podcast. She listens to people's behavior problems and offers general advice. One day, a caller relates a problem situation and Akiko gives her some explicit advice on how to address the problem. A few weeks later, the caller returns and is angry that the proposed intervention seems to have backfired and made the situation worse. The ethical problem in this scenario is: A. Punishment should only be used after other options have been exhausted or in cases of severe behavior. B. A multiple relationship has arisen and Akiko needs to resolve it C. Akiko's authority makes the relationship with the caller into a exploitative one D. A contract between the caller and Akiko is necessary

D Correct: There is no mention of a contract and this is the problem. Akiko needs to keep advice general, or she needs to enter into a defined professional relationship with this caller before providing specific intervention advice. One reason for this is to provide supervision and monitoring when behavior may become worse.

Kelly is new to working with Frank. Kelly wanted to increase her ability to gain his attention. She started showing him video clips of his favorite movies, and it did increase his attention to the speaker. Frank's increase in attention is best described by which scientific principle? A. Parsimony B. Empirical C. Behavioral D. Experimentation

D Correct: This scenario best exemplifies the experimental qualities of trying something new and seeing if it creates the desired behavior change.

When teaching a client to engage in leisure activities, which of the following strategies is least likely to be effective when programming for maintenance? A. Set a behavior trap for the leisure skills that are targeted in the plan. B. Ensure that there is sufficient contact with reinforcement from the start. C. Assess the performance of the skill sometime after instruction has ended. D. Use a CRF schedule to reinforce until the activity is no longer preferred.

D Correct: Using a CRF (AKA, FR1) schedule, initially, may be a good strategy to ensure sufficient contact with reinforcement. Although, using a continuous schedule of reinforcement until the activity is no longer preferred is the least likely to be effective when programming for maintenance. This is due, in part, to the practical constraints on time and resources. Also, natural contingencies that would maintain a behavior often do not deliver reinforcement continuously. Rather, natural contingencies often deliver reinforcement intermittently. Last, but not least, a continuous reinforcement schedule is easily extinguished. If a behavior is targeted for maintenance, we want it to be on an intermittent schedule.

Vanessa typically yells for an average of 5 minutes per hour-long period. Which of the following represents the observed data? A. Rate B. Frequency C. Latency D. Duration

D Correct: Vanessa engages in 5 minutes of yelling per hour long period, her 5 minutes of yelling represents a duration-based measure. Duration is used for behaviors that occur for some amount of time - typically greater than a few seconds. Percentage could also be a measure used here as she engages in 5 minutes of screaming per hour, or 8% of the time. Percentage is time divided by time or frequency divided by frequency (5/60=8.33) (Cooper, et al, p. 84, 2020).

Which of the following should be done first when setting performance expectations with a supervisee currently accruing hours toward a BACB application? A. Outline supervision standards B. Outline organizational policies C. Review the BACB supervision guidelines D. Review and dialog regarding the supervision contract arrangement

D Correct: When entering into a supervision agreement, both parties should meet to discuss expectations, appropriate activities, contractual obligations, and any financial obligations from either parties. This conversation should be centered around reviewing the supervision contract or agreement (BACB Supervisors Training Curriculum 2.0).