Question 1

Narrative recording is used to compile.

Accepted Answer

Narrative recording involves a detailed and continuous written record of behaviors and environmental circumstances. This can be used to identify patterns and variables that may be contributing to certain behaviors or outcomes, and can inform interventions or changes to the environment. Option A refers to a task analysis, which is a different type of assessment. Option B refers to demographic data collection, which may be part of a broader assessment but is not specific to narrative recording. Option C refers to inclusion goals, which are not directly related to narrative recording.

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

Accepted Answer

Behavior analysts develop outcome criteria prior to the intervention to ensure that the intervention is designed to meet specific, predetermined goals.

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?

Accepted Answer

The objective is missing a standard of performance, which specifies how well Holly needs to perform the task to meet the objective.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

A scatterplot is used to identify patterns in behavior over time, helping to determine when and where behaviors are most likely to occur.

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When Katie was learning how to stir-fry...

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

If data from the functional analysis do not support the original hypothesis, altering the hypothesis regarding the maintaining variable of the behavior based on the results of the functional assessment is the next step in the assessment process. This allows for a more accurate understanding of the function of the behavior, which can lead to the development of more effective interventions. Continuing to conduct the functional assessment until the data coincides with the original hypothesis is not recommended, as it may result in wasted time and resources. Designing a package intervention to address all possible functions of the behavior is not the best choice, as it may result in an intervention that is not tailored to the specific function of the behavior. Basing the intervention on the original hypothesis and re-assessing after a time lapse may be appropriate in some cases, but it is not the best choice if the data does not support the original hypothesis.

Question 7

A descriptive assessment generally includes all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A descriptive assessment does not involve the manipulation of variables, as it is focused on describing and analyzing existing data rather than conducting experiments or interventions. The other options - development of hypotheses, gathering of historical and current information, and graphic representation of data - are all components of a descriptive assessment.

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?

Accepted Answer

The natural consequence for Jim's behavior is the responses of the people he meets. They will typically respond with "Fine, how are you?" or some variation of this, creating a social interaction. This can also lead to Jim learning additional social skills and expanding his social repertoire. However, the consequence is not necessarily A, increased number of friends or B, continuous reinforcement as these are not guaranteed outcomes of Jim's behavior.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

A bar graph is the most appropriate method to present categorical data from a functional analysis as it provides a clear visual representation of the frequency of each category. This allows for easy comparison between categories and for trends to be easily identified. An anecdotal report may be useful for providing a more detailed description of specific events or behaviors, but it is not as effective for presenting categorical data. A scatter plot is more appropriate for displaying continuous data, and a standard celeration chart is used for tracking changes in behavior over time.

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

Accepted Answer

Systematic manipulations to determine functional relationships are conducted to identify the antecedents and consequences that maintain the problem behavior. This information is essential in identifying effective interventions to reduce or eliminate the behavior.

Question 11

Contingency-shaped behavior is:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Contingency-shaped behavior is:
...

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?

Accepted Answer

Even though Jamie and Morgan have similar behavior challenges and daily schedules, each individual has unique variables that could impact their behavior. Therefore, it's essential to complete a separate functional assessment and develop a plan specifically for Jamie. This approach ensures that treatment is tailored to Jamie's needs and is the most effective way to support positive behavior change for him.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The time-out procedure is being manipulated by the researcher, making it the independent variable. The physical aggression being measured is the dependent variable. Baseline measure refers to the initial measurement taken before any manipulation occurs, and response measure refers to the measurement taken after the manipulation.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

When developing a task analysis, the first step is to determine the necessary component steps involved in the target skill or behavior. This involves breaking down the behavior into smaller, more manageable steps that can be taught sequentially. Once the component steps have been identified, the behavior analyst can then assess the mastery level of the individual and conduct a functional assessment to ensure that the task analysis addresses the underlying skill deficits that are contributing to the behavioral difficulties. Observing the individual to collect baseline data is also an important part of the assessment process, but it typically occurs after the task analysis has been developed.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Written documentation provides a detailed account of a student's behavior and actions, making it a useful tool for conducting a descriptive assessment. This method involves collecting and organizing information about the student's behavior, setting, and circumstances, to develop a deeper understanding of the behavior and establish an effective intervention plan. Functional analysis involves manipulating variables to determine the function of the behavior, narrative recording involves recording a continuous written description of behavior, and reinforcer assessment involves identifying the types of reinforcers that motivate a student's behavior.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

The play condition is typically used as a control in analogue functional analyses because it is designed to provide a low-demand, high-reinforcement environment, minimizing the likelihood of problem behavior.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

The behavior analyst should first evaluate the current social repertoire to understand the individual's existing social skills and identify areas that need improvement.

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

Accepted Answer

Mom and Dad's behavior is most likely being negatively reinforced by escape because they stop what they are doing to address Mike's screaming, which removes the aversive stimulus (screaming).

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?

Accepted Answer

Sally drops items into the cart when her dad gives them to her. This teaches her to be careful with items and to put them in the cart instead of dropping them on the floor.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

These variables are important to consider when selecting reinforcers and punishers in behavior modification. Speed refers to how quickly the behavior changes, magnitude refers to the size of the behavior change, durability refers to how long the behavior change lasts, and generality of effect refers to whether the behavior change generalizes to other contexts or situations.

Exam 1: Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst