Question 1

A behavior analyst develops a program that decreases a baby's crying when her diaper is soiled. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

The answer of A behavior analyst develops a program that...

Question 2

After collecting baseline data and verifying the hypothesis, which of the following is the BEST approach to use when selecting behavior change procedures?

Accepted Answer

Selecting behavior change procedures that are consistent with those documented in the behavioral literature provides a reliable and evidence-based approach. It ensures that the procedures have been tested and proven effective in similar cases, reducing the risk of implementing ineffective or potentially harmful interventions. Asking for input from professionals in the individual's environment and using socially valid procedures are also important, but should be used in conjunction with selecting evidence-based procedures. Reviewing all journals containing procedures may be time-consuming and not practical, and may not necessarily guarantee the use of effective procedures.

Question 3

Mrs. Carr's 4-year-old son, Jack, often interrupted her and asked her to play with him. Mrs. Carr would tell Jack that she would play later, but she often followed him and played for a few minutes. On a very busy day, Mrs. Carr told Jack that she could not play with him. Jack began to cry and ran out of the room. Mrs. Carr followed him, calmed him down, and played for a few minutes. This pattern was repeated several times so Mrs. Carr decided to be firm with Jack and to ignore future interruptions. The next day Jack came in sobbing and screaming, "Play now!" Mrs. Carr gave in and played with him. The most likely explanation for Jack's increasingly disruptive behavior is that:

Accepted Answer

Mrs. Carr has inadvertently reinforced Jack's interrupting behavior by occasionally giving in and playing with him, leading to a more intense and persistent pattern of interruption. This is known as shaping, as the behavior has been gradually reinforced to become more disruptive over time.

Question 4

Which procedure is the MOST reasonable and effective application of incidental teaching?

Accepted Answer

Incidental teaching is a strategy in which the teacher takes advantage of the student's motivation to learn and uses that motivation to teach a specific skill. In this case, having the student sign for items in the lunch line is the most reasonable and effective application because it takes advantage of the natural context of the lunch line, where the student is already motivated to obtain food. This approach also ensures that the skill is taught in a functional and naturalistic setting, increasing the likelihood of generalization and maintenance of the skill. Choice A involves discrete trial training, which is a more structured and artificial approach and may not be as effective in promoting generalization and maintenance. Choice B is not as effective as choice C because signing during language classes may not be as functional or motivating for the student. Choice D is too broad and may not be as effective as targeting a specific context such as the lunch line.

Question 5

A behavior analyst is asked to review a point system to be used in an elementary school. According to the program, participation in extracurricular activities such as sports or choir is contingent upon earning "good citizen" points. "Good citizen" behaviors are clearly defined. Ethical standards should lead the behavior analyst to recommend which of the following with regard to earning extracurricular activities?

Accepted Answer

Parental consent is important when implementing behavior programs that affect students' participation in extracurricular activities.

Question 6

Which statement is an example of "philosophic doubt"?

Accepted Answer

Philosophic doubt involves maintaining a skeptical and questioning attitude, recognizing that current knowledge may change with new evidence.

Question 7

From an ethical standpoint, target behaviors and program goals should be selected

Accepted Answer

The consumer or their representative should be involved in the selection of target behaviors and program goals as they are best equipped to know their own needs and preferences. Involving an interdisciplinary team can ensure that the goals and behaviors are realistic and achievable. The other options do not prioritize the consumer's perspective and needs.

Question 8

The Smiths' daughter, who has autism, has been receiving ABA services for one-and-a-half years from Andrew, a behavior analyst. Andrew's experience and training is in special education. Recently, the Smiths' other child has been behaving differently and they suspect that he may be clinically depressed. The Smiths would like their son to receive services from Andrew because their family is familiar with him and he has provided effective interventions for their daughter. The Smiths ask Andrew to confirm their suspicions about their son. What should Andrew do?

Accepted Answer

Andrew's expertise is in special education and ABA, and diagnosing mood disorders is outside of his scope of practice. Referring the family to a colleague who has expertise in diagnosing mood disorders is the most appropriate course of action.

Question 9

One of the properties of behavior is

Accepted Answer

Repeatability is a crucial property of behavior because it allows it to be studied and analyzed in a scientific manner. It refers to the ability of a behavior to be observed consistently over time and across different situations, allowing researchers to measure, quantify, and compare behaviors. The other choices do not accurately describe a property of behavior.

Question 10

Which is NOT a characteristic of applied behavior analysis?

Accepted Answer

Applied behavior analysis does not focus on originally determining the variables that caused the behavior, but rather on identifying and changing the current factors that maintain the behavior.

Question 11

Which of the following would BEST contribute to a behavior analyst's professional development?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following would BEST contribute...

Question 12

Before recruitment of participants for a research study begins, a behavior analyst needs to:

Accepted Answer

Obtaining institutional review board approval or equivalent (e.g., an ethics committee) is a critical step before recruiting participants for a research study. This ensures that the study is conducted ethically and meets all necessary legal and regulatory requirements. While obtaining consent from participants or legal guardians (if necessary), informing participants about their ability to withdraw from the study, and informing participants about ethical requirements and experimental procedures are all important steps, they should be done after obtaining institutional review board approval.

Question 13

Billy, a 20-year-old male, has the capacity to give consent for treatment. The behavior analyst has developed a program and explained it to Billy. Procedures, benefits, rights, and other information also were shown to him. The one element still needed for informed consent is approval from

Accepted Answer

Since Billy has the capacity to give consent for treatment and has already been presented with all the necessary information, his approval is the only element needed for informed consent. The clinical review committee or human rights committee may be involved in some cases, but in this specific scenario, they are not necessary. Billy's parents may be consulted, but their approval is not required since Billy is legally an adult.

Question 14

Which is NOT true of determinism?

Accepted Answer

Determinism is not in contrast to empiricism. Empiricism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the use of observation and experience to gain knowledge. Determinism, on the other hand, is the belief that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will.

Question 15

Fred does not follow some of the directives imposed by the direct care staff. A behavior analyst has been asked to put a program in place that will get Fred to comply with all directives. The behavior analyst should FIRST

Accepted Answer

The behavior analyst should first consider the ethical implications of training Fred to comply with all directives. This is because it is important to ensure that the behavior program is in the best interests of Fred and does not violate his rights.

Question 16

Mitch, a 17-year-old with intellectual disabilities, has made great progress on toileting and hand-washing skills at school. Ethically, which procedure would be the MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Option B is the most appropriate as it provides positive reinforcement in the form of a smile and frequency recording without invasion of privacy or unnecessary documentation. Option A invades Mitch's privacy by having an aide stand at the door, and also creates unnecessary documentation. Option C is appropriate but not the MOST appropriate as positive practice procedures should be implemented regardless of errors. Option D is not appropriate as it can be embarrassing for Mitch to have his toileting success announced publicly.

Question 17

From an ethical standpoint, which source provides the MOST appropriate information for justifying implementation of a program to change a person's behavior?

Accepted Answer

Graphed data from program staff who observe the person regularly provides objective, quantifiable evidence of behavior, making it the most appropriate source for justifying program implementation ethically.

Question 18

Reinforcing "picking up shoe" in a shoe-tying program would be an example of a step in which type of training procedure?

Accepted Answer

Chaining involves breaking down a task into smaller steps and reinforcing each step to build a complete behavior sequence, such as tying a shoe.

Question 19

A behavior analyst is asked to provide direct services requiring daily 1:1 interaction with a teen-aged client. The client does not speak but can communicate fluently using sign language. The behavior analyst knows some sign language but is not fluent. The BEST approach to this situation would be to

Accepted Answer

The behavior analyst should refer the family to a professional who is fluent in sign language to ensure effective communication and service delivery, adhering to ethical guidelines regarding competence.

Question 20

Fara has identified two procedures that have an equal probability of being effective. In order to select the better procedure, she should

Accepted Answer

Fara should choose the procedure that falls within the staff's level of competence to ensure that it can be effectively implemented and managed.

Exam 1: Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst