Deck 1: Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

Question 1

Narrative recording is used to compile.

A) data on various tasks the person can perform, such as putting on a shirt or tying shoe laces, to further identify skills training goals.
B) demographic data such as age, marital status, sex, and educational experience and to identify appropriate interventions.
C) information, which can be used to set inclusion goals, concerning proximity and social contacts with non-disabled peers in segregated settings.
D) a running account of the behaviors and environmental circumstances to identify further behaviors and related variables worthy of analysis.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

When setting criteria for behavior change, behavior analysts attempt to implement the simplest mode of intervention necessary to elicit the desired outcome. As such, the identified outcome criteria should be

A) applied to ecological assessments to generalize skills.
B) developed prior to the identified intervention.
C) initially broad in focus with subsequent reduction to a target response.
D) measured independent of practice effects or reactivity.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Holly is learning to use a spoon to feed herself. Applesauce is known to function as a reinforcer. Her teacher has selected the following objective for Holly: "Given a spoon and a 3-ounce dish of applesauce, Holly will independently scoop the applesauce to her mouth." This objective is incomplete. Which component is missing?

A) antecedent stimulus
B) consequence condition
C) prerequisite skill criteria
D) standard of performance

Answer 3

D

Question 4

The most appropriate tool for performing a behavior pattern analysis is a (n):

A) ABC form.
B) daily schedule.
C) narrative recording.
D) scatterplot.

Question 5

When Katie was learning how to stir-fry vegetables, her hand brushed the side of the very hot pan and she now refuses to make stir-fried vegetables. Her refusal is a result of.

A) negative punishment.
B) negative reinforcement.
C) conditioned punishment.
D) unconditioned punishment.

Question 6

What is the next step in the assessment process if data from the functional analysis do NOT support the original hypothesis?

A) Base the intervention on the original hypothesis and re-assess after a time lapse.
B) Design a package intervention to address all possible functions of the behavior.
C) Continue to conduct the functional assessment until the data coincides with the original hypothesis.
D) Alter the hypothesis regarding the maintaining variable of the behavior based on the results of the functional assessment.

Question 7

A descriptive assessment generally includes all of the following EXCEPT:

A) development of hypotheses.
B) gathering of historical information as well as current sources.
C) graphic representation of data.
D) manipulation of variables.

Question 8

Jim's teacher has taught him to say, "Hello, how are you?" and when he does this, she delivers praise. Now Jim says this whenever he meets anyone, and some people say, "Fine, how are you?" What is the natural consequence for Jim's behavior?

A) increased number of friends
B) continuous reinforcement
C) improved social repertoire for Jim
D) the responses of the people he meets

Question 9

Which method is the BEST to use when presenting categorical data from a functional analysis?

A) a bar graph
B) anecdotal report
C) scatter plot
D) standard celeration chart

Question 10

Alonzo tries to run out of his classroom without permission and forcefully resists attempts to stop him. Behavioral assessment information leads to two hypotheses regarding Alonzo's behavior. The behavior analyst decides to conduct systematic manipulations to determine functional relationships. The MOST important reason to do this is to

A) convince Alonzo that running out of the classroom without permission can be dangerous.
B) determine why Alonzo tried to run out of the classroom.
C) increase the likelihood of selecting effective interventions.
D) determine whether or not the door to classroom should be locked.

Question 11

Contingency-shaped behavior is:

A) based on phylogeny, whereas rule-governed behavior is based on ontogeny.
B) established as a function of relations among unconditioned stimuli, a response class, and reinforcement.
C) more resistant to extinction than rule-governed behavior.
D) established as the result of a person's experience.

Question 12

Jamie and Morgan have similar behavior challenges and similar daily schedules. A behavior analyst has spent extensive time and effort on developing and implementing Morgan's plan, which is proving to be very successful. How should the behavior analyst proceed with developing a treatment plan for Jamie?

A) Because the behaviors are topographically similar, implementing the plan designed for Morgan would be appropriate as it is the least restrictive option.
B) Complete a separate functional assessment and plan for Jamie.
C) Use the same plan for both, just ensure the ecological variables correspond to the student.
D) Do a separate functional analysis, but the same behavior supports can be applied to both students.

Question 13

A study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of time-out for physical aggression. The time-out procedure would be considered the:  

A) baseline measure.
B) dependent variable.
C) independent variable.
D) response measure.

Question 14

When developing a task analysis, a behavior analyst would first:

A) assess the mastery level of the individual.
B) conduct a functional assessment of the target skills.
C) determine the necessary component steps.
D) observe the individual to collect baseline data.

Question 15

Reviewing written documentation of a student's life and behavior is one method used for collecting information when conducting A.

A) descriptive assessment.
B) functional analysis.
C) narrative recording.
D) reinforcer assessment.

Question 16

When conducting an analogue functional analysis, the condition commonly used as a control is the:  

A) home condition.
B) play condition.
C) social attention condition.
D) demand condition.

Question 17

In general, when a behavior analyst is asked to help someone make friends, the behavior analyst should.

A) avoid interfering in interpersonal relationships.
B) refer the person to a counselor, social worker, or other professional.
C) evaluate the current social repertoire.
D) set up a social skills training program.

Question 18

Narrative recording indicates the following: Sequence #1: As Dad goes to change Rita's diaper, Mike screams. Dad puts Rita down, moves towards Mike, and tells him "be quiet." Sequence #2: Mom is sitting next to Mike when the phone rings. She gets up, answers the phone, and starts talking to a friend. Mike starts screaming. Mom tells the friend good-bye and hangs up the phone. She then goes to Mike and tells him to stop screaming. Which is the MOST plausible hypothesis? Mom and Dad's behavior is most likely

A) being negatively reinforced by escape.
B) being positively reinforced by attention.
C) elicited by separation anxiety.
D) evoked by feelings of jealousy.

Question 19

When shopping with her dad, Sally knocks items off the shelf, especially canned goods. The cans make a loud noise when they hit the floor. Her dad decides to teach her an alternative behavior. What alternative behavior is the BEST choice to teach?

A) Sally pushes the shopping cart with both hands.
B) Sally drops items into the cart when her dad gives them to her.
C) Sally keeps her hands in her pockets while in the store.
D) Sally holds dad's hand while shopping and gets to let go when quiet.

Question 20

Speed, magnitude, durability and generality of effect are some of the MOST important

A) dimensions of behavior that lend themselves to quantification more readily than others.
B) variables that are overlooked by other social sciences in solving problems.
C) variables to consider when selecting reinforcers and punishers.
D) components of treatment packages used in treating the most severe behavior problems.

Question 21

Which of the following measures would be the MOST appropriate for reporting head banging during each 5-minute interval of work?

A) duration of head banging
B) latency from a request to the first response
C) rate of head banging
D) inter-response time

Question 22

When using an alternating treatments design it is important to randomly:

A) assign participants to treatment conditions.
B) select participants from the population of interest.
C) order treatment conditions presented during each phase.
D) change each criterion level.

Question 23

Carlos participated in a toothbrushing skill acquisition program. When he started the program, he needed physical assistance to perform each step. After two weeks, he met all objectives and was able to complete each step independently. The program involved the use of graduated guidance, praise, and token reinforcement. In the future, the behavior analyst would like to examine which procedures made the program most effective (i.e., guidance, praise, or token reinforcement). To determine this, the behavior analyst could use a

A) component analysis.
B) discriminant analysis.
C) nonparametric analysis.
D) parametric analysis.

Question 24

Frequency would be the MOST appropriate measure for which scenario?

A) The behavior analyst wants to reduce the number of times Jack hits Jill.
B) Jack wants his employees to increase the number of kits made in one hour.
C) Jack's parents want him to reduce his persistent hand flapping.
D) Jill wants to increase her son's compliance with room-cleaning requests.

Question 25

A major benefit of product recording is that:

A) it is the easiest recording method.
B) it is used when a behavior results in a certain tangible outcome.
C) the observer does not have to be present when the behavior occurs.
D) one can always determine who engaged in the behavior that led to the product that was recorded.

Question 26

Although tests have confirmed that Matthew is not deaf, his mother is worried because Matthew is very slow to respond when she calls to him. Frequently, she has to resort to touching him before he looks at her. Which of the following would be the MOST appropriate for measuring Matthew looking when called?

A) latency
B) frequency
C) inter-response time
D) duration

Question 27

A person "getting wet" in the rain is NOT considered an occurrence of behavior because "getting wet"

A) does not specify an interaction between an organism and its environment.
B) can occur under only one, very specific environmental condition.
C) is a hypothetical construct and cannot therefore meet the criteria for an occurrence of behavior.
D) does not have social or clinical significance in a science of human behavior.

Question 28

Jamie frequently falls to the floor and screams at school. Preliminary behavioral assessment data indicate that his tantrums are maintained by attention and escape from demand situations. Jamie's behavior analyst wants to examine precisely how attention and escape conditions affect these behaviors. The behavior analyst does not want to conduct the analysis in Jamie's classroom because she would not be able to control for potentially important factors. Relating to this scenario, which statement is TRUE?

A) Analyses that involve experimental conditions are almost always conducted in the person's natural environment.
B) The behavior analyst could conduct the analysis in a vacant classroom, but the generality of the findings is an issue to be considered.
C) The behavior analyst should conduct detailed interviews with the teacher and school staff to determine functional relations.
D) Only if the analysis is conducted in Jamie's classroom can a reasonable hypothesis be generated.

Question 29

Susan recorded data on a student's fidgeting behavior in the following way: She divided a 10-minute recording period into 10-second intervals and recorded in each interval a "+" if the target behavior occurred at least once. The percentage of intervals of target behavior occurrence was about 45%. The data resulting are most likely to be an

A) accurate measure of inter-response times.
B) inaccurate measure of inter-response times.
C) overestimate of the occurrence of the behavior.
D) underestimate of the occurrence of the behavior.

Question 30

The PRIMARY advantage of using a multiple baseline design across subjects is that:

A) an intervention may be applied to more than one individual.
B) experimental control can be demonstrated without a reversal.
C) it is the most effective method for establishing functional relations.
D) more individuals benefit from the effects of an intervention.

Question 31

Observation sessions should be scheduled so that the representativeness of the data can be maximized. Considering behaviors occurring in a school setting, which of the following options is consistent with this recommendation?

A) Behaviors are given letter-codes that represent the complete topographical definition of the behaviors, e.g., "on-task academic behavior" is represented by "O" on the recording sheet.
B) Observations should be made only when the behavior is likely to occur most frequently during a day, for instance, during a particular academic class.
C) Recordings of behavior during the whole school day may be needed initially to assess the representativeness of samples within the day.
D) Representativeness can be assured by scheduling observations in sessions of 60 minutes or more in the morning and afternoon school schedule.

Question 32

The use of a withdrawal design is LEAST appropriate when:

A) evaluating an intervention for severe problem behavior.
B) evaluating the effects of an intervention for behavior that has multiple functions.
C) extraneous variables cannot be controlled.
D) multiple participants are being evaluated.

Question 33

When using a changing criterion design, the BEST demonstration of experimental control would be produced if the:  

A) criterion level is changed in equal increments.
B) criterion level is changed slightly on each manipulation.
C) criterion level is set well above that of the behavior.
D) behavior changes concurrently with the criterion level.

Question 34

For which of the following would it be appropriate to measure duration?

A) Amy responds very slowly to instructions during her discrete trials teaching sessions.
B) Ethan leaves his work station and wanders around the building.
C) Sarah takes so long to begin her math assignments in class that she is never able to finish on time.
D) Ryan is trying to increase the speed of his typing at the computer keyboard.

Question 35

Tony is supervising a work crew at the post office. Every day, his clients are supposed to check each waste bin and empty those that contain trash. Tony takes data on the number of waste bins emptied by the crew. In order to report data in terms of percentage of occurrence Tony MUST also know:

A) that some waste bins contained trash.
B) how many waste bins contained trash.
C) how many waste bins were in the office.
D) This behavior is not amenable to percent of occurrence reporting.

Question 36

When determining the specified time interval to prescribe at the start of a DRO intervention, which of the following dimensions of the target behavior is MOST relevant?

A) latency
B) frequency
C) duration
D) inter-response time

Question 37

Trials to criterion refers to a measure of

A) fluency.
B) performance.
C) rate of correct responding.
D) interobserver agreement.

Question 38

What is the MOST important measure of behavior when the goal is to decrease the number of cigarettes smoked per day?

A) duration per cigarette
B) inter-response time
C) percentage
D) rate

Question 39

The behavior analyst has had good results with an intervention she designed that makes access to video games contingent upon playing with other children. She now wants to compare the effects of differing amounts of video game access time. She should conduct a

A) changing criterion study.
B) nonparametric study.
C) parametric study.
D) reversal study.

Question 40

The BEST definition for mouthing behavior would be any instance of Luke.

A) placing his mouth on any object for at least 5 seconds.
B) placing his open mouth on a non-nutritive object or placing a non-nutritive object in his mouth.
C) making contact with his mouth to any non-nutritive object.
D) mouthing a non-nutritive item for 3 or more consecutive instances within a 30 second interval.

Question 41

An extinction procedure involves:

A) withholding all reinforcement.
B) withholding the maintaining reinforcer after the occurrence of the target behavior.
C) removing all attention from the client when the target behavior occurs.
D) removing the SD for the target behavior.

Question 42

Which characteristic of the response measure shown in this graph changed from baseline during the intervention phase?

A) level
B) trend
C) rate
D) variability

Question 43

The rehabilitation therapist wants to determine if the sensory integration sessions are helping to reduce Ed's hand-slapping. What is the BEST method for recording momentary time-sampling data?

A) Fifteen-minute observation periods are divided into 3-minute intervals. Staff then record whether or not hand-slapping is occurring at the end of each 3-minute interval.
B) Twenty-minute observation periods are divided into 10-minute intervals. Staff then record whether or not hand-slapping is occurring during each 10-minute interval.
C) Thirty-minute observation periods are divided into 2-minute intervals. Staff then record whether or not hand-slapping occurs at any moment during each 2-minute interval.
D) One-hour observation periods are divided into 10-minute intervals. Staff then record whether or not hand-slapping occurs at all during each 10-minute interval.

Question 44

Once a stimulus has been determined to function as a reinforcer in a particular contingency, which of the following is likely to be true?

A) The reinforcer should be adjusted to vary during the observation period.
B) The reinforcer should be used with others in the immediate environment.
C) The effect of the reinforcer may strengthen with relevant deprivation.
D) The effect of the reinforcer will weaken if a variable interval schedule is used.

Question 45

Unwanted side-effects associated with the use of an extinction procedure are MOST likely to appear:

A) immediately after the extinction burst.
B) after the individual realizes that the procedure will be implemented consistently.
C) when ratio schedules are increased too rapidly.
D) shortly after the procedure is first implemented.

Question 46

In order to obtain the GREATEST increase in the value of an identified reinforcer after satiation has occurred, the behavior analyst should.

A) deliver the reinforcer non-contingently.
B) reduce the magnitude of the reinforcer.
C) thin the schedule of reinforcement.
D) temporarily remove the reinforcer.

Question 47

A behavior analyst is conducting research on the accuracy of a student's responding to written math problems based on the final answer with no scoring of intermediate calculations. Which is the BEST method for obtaining accurate inter-observer agreement results?

A) Researcher and observer sit together to score the student's work.
B) Photocopies of the student's work are scored independently by researcher and observer.
C) The student's scratch paper is scored if researcher and observer do not agree on a response.
D) Researcher scores the student's work and the observer reviews the researcher's scores for accuracy.

Question 48

A child's behavior is being reinforced on a VR 8 schedule during intensive teaching. During the sessions, the child begins to get out of the chair. In order to address this problem, the behavior analyst should switch to which schedule?

A) VR 1
B) FR 6
C) FR 8
D) VR 4

Question 49

Which does NOT increase the effectiveness of punishment?

A) availability of alternative responses
B) inability to avoid the punisher
C) intermittent delivery of the punisher
D) reinforcement frequency for alternative behavior

Question 50

Jimmy is watching his favorite Saturday morning cartoon and playing with his train set. The cat walks past him and he pulls its tail. Jimmy's mother takes away one of his train cars. This is an example of.

A) response intervention.
B) antecedent manipulation.
C) response cost.
D) overcorrection.

Question 51

What does this graph depict?

A) current level and data path of the response measure
B) current level, data path, and stability of the response measure
C) data path, average level, and variability of the response measure
D) data path, trend, and variability of the response measure

Question 52

To definitively identify effective reinforcers for an individual, it is necessary to:

A) complete a reinforcer assessment.
B) complete a preference assessment.
C) ascertain what reinforcers the individual has access to.
D) interview people who know the individual well.

Question 53

The response rate for this cumulative record would BEST be described as:

A) a steady state.
B) increasing trend.
C) decreasing trend.
D) This graph is not a cumulative record.

Question 54

This graph BEST exemplifies:

A) clear demonstration of an effective intervention.
B) a decrease in variability due to the intervention.
C) a change in the level between baseline and intervention phases.
D) a change in the trend between baseline and intervention phases.

Question 55

A punishment contingency is LEAST likely to produce which effect?

A) Undesirable emotions may result.
B) Aggressive or violent behavior may be evoked.
C) A more appropriate replacement behavior may develop.
D) The person delivering the punisher may become an aversive stimulus.

Question 56

If a client exhibits problem behaviors throughout the day and evenings regardless of what is going on in the environment and what activities he/she is participating in, which would be the BEST way to reduce the high frequency and increase latency?

A) Use a differential reinforcement procedure for the absence of problem behaviors for an amount of time with a high magnitude reinforcer as a reward.
B) Use a high magnitude punishment procedure every time he/she exhibits the problem behavior.
C) Use a low magnitude punishment procedure every time he/she exhibits the problem behavior.
D) Use a fixed ratio reinforcer every time he/she exhibits appropriate behavior.

Question 57

The reinforcement schedule that produces a high steady rate of responding is:

A) FI.
B) FR.
C) VI.
D) VR.

Question 58

Wilma argues with her coworker, who shares the same workstation. Even though Wilma and her coworker can articulate the workplace rules, repeated instructions to cease this behavior have gone unheeded and they are becoming enemies. What would be the MOST appropriate antecedent-based solution?

A) Instruct the coworker to stay away from Wilma.
B) Give Wilma breaks away from her coworker whenever arguments begin.
C) Assign Wilma to a different workstation.
D) Place signs in the workstations identifying appropriate workplace behavior.

Question 59

An experimental design that starts with a baseline phase, followed by a treatment phase, then another baseline phase, and ends in the same type of treatment phase is called a (n):

A) ABA design.
B) reversal design.
C) multi-element design.
D) multiple baseline design.

Question 60

A teacher is tracking the performance of both math and spelling assignments for each of her 25 students. For feedback purposes, she wishes to display each student's percent correct for both areas using a line graph. What would be the MOST effective and efficient way to accomplish this?

A) Prepare a large graph for spelling and a similar one for math and place on the graphs the average data for the entire class in the two content areas.
B) Prepare a separate graph for each student and, using a unique symbol for each content area, record the data and connect the similar symbols to create data path lines.
C) Prepare a single large graph and display each student's data for the spelling and math areas using unique symbols for each student and for each content area.
D) Prepare two graphs for each student, one for spelling and one for math, because there is no appropriate method for reporting these two content areas together on the same graph.

Question 61

Considering the potential impact of behavioral contrast, what is a likely outcome when there is an effective program targeting compliance at school when no formal program is implemented at home? Compliance at home would be predicted to:

A) be more variable.
B) decrease.
C) increase.
D) stay the same.

Question 62

In order to evoke a mand for "cookie," the behavior analyst should.

A) give the child a cookie.
B) deprive the child of cookies.
C) show the child a picture of a cookie.
D) say "cookie" and praise repeating the word.

Question 63

Teaching a student a self-talk strategy consisting of, "After I use the toilet, I must flush." is an example of.

A) contingency shaped behavior.
B) direct instruction.
C) imitative instruction.
D) rule-governed behavior.

Question 64

To teach Beth to wash her hands, staff trained Beth in all the steps identified in the task analysis in each session. They also introduced prompts in successive levels if Beth did not respond after a two-second waiting period. Which behavior chaining procedure was used in this program?

A) backward
B) forward
C) global
D) total task

Question 65

When using direct instruction programs, teachers are often signaling students to respond in unison and moving through the tasks at a brisk pace so that they can:

A) group students and build fluency.
B) identify errors and build fluency.
C) group students and identify errors.
D) maintain speed and finish lessons.

Question 66

To increase the likelihood of beginning a difficult task:

A) arrange a reinforcer for its completion.
B) do several easy tasks first.
C) arrange for periodic reminders.
D) establish a deadline for completion.

Question 67

Mr. Winston has developed a reward system in his classroom where only those students who have submitted homework for 5 out of 5 days in the week receive a reward from the "treasure box." This is an example of a (n):

A) co-dependent group contingency.
B) dependent group contingency.
C) independent group contingency.
D) interdependent group contingency.

Question 68

In order to replace a behavior targeted for change with a behavior that topographically does not resemble the target behavior, which differential reinforcement procedure would be BEST?

A) DRO
B) DRH
C) DRI
D) DRL

Question 69

Behavioral contracts must include.

A) a summary of the functional assessment; the target behavior; and the consequences for its occurrence and non-occurrence.
B) vocal descriptions of how the behavior is to be measured; the consequences for its occurrence and non-occurrence; the contract manager; and the target behavior.
C) written descriptions of how the behavior is to be measured; when behavior must occur; the consequences for its occurrence and non-occurrence; the contract manager; and the target behavior.
D) a summary of the functional assessment; written descriptions of how the behavior is to be measured; when behavior must occur; the contract manager; and the target behavior.

Question 70

In a token economy, what type of reinforcers are the tokens themselves?

A) conditional reinforcers
B) generalized conditioned reinforcers
C) generalized unconditioned reinforcers
D) unconditional reinforcers

Question 71

What is a likely benefit of having trained a client to say both "truck" and "vehicle" in response to your saying "fire engine"? The client will now likely:

A) point to pictures of trucks or vehicles.
B) say "fire engine" when you present a picture of it.
C) say "truck" when you say "vehicle."
D) point to a truck when you say "vehicle."

Question 72

For which scenario would discrimination training be an appropriate behavior change strategy?

A) Nathan hits others during math class but not during other classes.
B) Peter loves to talk to his peers, which is very disruptive during church.
C) Suzi refuses to eat dinner, but she does eat breakfast and lunch.
D) Tabitha gloats when she wins a game and pouts when she loses.

Question 73

The purpose of including untaught items or tasks within a Discrete Trial Instruction program is to assess:

A) context.
B) fluency.
C) generalization.
D) mastery.

Question 74

Imitation training can be made MOST beneficial for clients when it includes a range of.

A) models.
B) prompts.
C) reinforcers.
D) settings.

Question 75

Reinforcing closer and closer approximations to the final desired behavior involves:

A) chaining.
B) differential reinforcement.
C) precision teaching.
D) response fading.

Question 76

A teacher gives a student a piece of paper and asks him to draw a picture. To request a crayon, the student looks at the teacher and says, "Crayon." In response to this, the teacher replies, "Say, 'Crayon please'." The student complies with the request and the teacher gives them a crayon. This exchange is an example of.

A) coincidental teaching.
B) incidental teaching.
C) precision teaching.
D) vicarious teaching.

Question 77

Keller's Personalized System of Instruction features which of the following characteristics?

A) responses per minute per individual and repeated measures
B) individual performance goals, assisted prompting, and repeated measures
C) required study guides, lecture and discussion notes, and individual goals
D) mastery, self-paced progress, reading materials, proctors, and optional lectures

Question 78

To facilitate errorless learning, begin with

A) backward chaining.
B) fading stimulus prompts.
C) forward chaining.
D) response prompts.

Question 79

The matching law states that when responding is reinforced on concurrent VI-20 and VI-50 schedules, the:  

A) number of responses will match the number of reinforcers obtained.
B) proportion of responses for each alternative will become equal over time.
C) organism will respond exclusively to the alternative with the highest rate of reinforcement.
D) proportion of responses across the two alternatives will equal the proportion of reinforcers obtained for those alternatives.

Question 80

Instruction that focuses on speed and accuracy of responding can BEST be described as promoting.

A) frequency.
B) mastery.
C) fluency.
D) precision.