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BCaBA practice questions

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Question 1Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst records the number of hand raises a student emits during a 30-minute class period. Which measurement dimension does this record describe?

  1. Count per observation period Correct answer.
  2. Latency to first response
  3. Percentage of intervals
  4. Interresponse time

Explanation

Count records the number of occurrences of a behavior within a defined observation period, so the total is a direct measure of repeatability. Latency measures time from a stimulus to the response, and interresponse time measures time between responses, neither of which is captured by a simple tally.

Question 2Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A therapist wants to know whether a client's crying episodes are getting longer across sessions. Which measure is most appropriate?

  1. Momentary time sampling
  2. Duration per episode Correct answer.
  3. Trials to criterion
  4. Rate per minute

Explanation

Duration measures how long a behavior lasts, so it directly answers whether episodes are becoming longer. Rate and trials to criterion describe frequency or learning speed, and momentary time sampling estimates occurrence rather than length.

Question 3Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

Which schedule of observation divides a session into brief intervals and scores the behavior only if it occurs at the very end of the interval?

  1. Partial-interval recording
  2. Whole-interval recording
  3. Event recording
  4. Momentary time sampling Correct answer.

Explanation

Momentary time sampling scores behavior only if it is occurring at the instant the interval ends, which makes it efficient for continuous observation. Whole- and partial-interval methods score the entire interval rather than a single moment.

Question 4Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

An observer's records match a second observer's records on 92% of intervals. This statistic is best described as which measure?

  1. Social validity
  2. Treatment integrity
  3. Procedural fidelity
  4. Interobserver agreement Correct answer.

Explanation

Interobserver agreement quantifies the degree to which two independent observers record the same events or intervals. Treatment integrity and procedural fidelity concern whether the intervention was delivered as planned, and social validity concerns acceptability of goals and outcomes.

Question 5Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior occurs 40 times in a 20-minute session. What is the rate per minute?

  1. 0.5 per minute
  2. 2 per minute Correct answer.
  3. 40 per minute
  4. 20 per minute

Explanation

Rate is calculated by dividing the number of responses by the time in which they occurred, so 40 responses divided by 20 minutes equals 2 responses per minute. Reporting the raw count or the session length alone does not yield a rate.

Question 6Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

In a reversal design, what is the primary purpose of returning to the baseline condition after the intervention?

  1. To demonstrate that the behavior change depends on the intervention Correct answer.
  2. To reduce the number of sessions needed
  3. To increase treatment integrity
  4. To improve the client's performance faster

Explanation

Reversing to baseline shows whether the behavior returns to earlier levels when the intervention is withdrawn, supporting a functional relation between the intervention and behavior. It is a design logic feature, not a method for speeding progress or improving integrity.

Question 7Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A teacher praises a student's on-task behavior every few minutes regardless of what the student is doing. This is best described as which schedule?

  1. Differential reinforcement of other behavior
  2. Variable-interval schedule
  3. Fixed-ratio schedule
  4. Noncontingent reinforcement Correct answer.

Explanation

Noncontingent reinforcement delivers reinforcers on a time-based schedule independent of the target behavior. Differential reinforcement of other behavior and ratio or interval schedules all require a contingency between behavior and reinforcement.

Question 8Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst provides a token after every third correct math problem. Which schedule is in effect?

  1. Fixed-ratio 3 Correct answer.
  2. Variable-interval 3
  3. Variable-ratio 3
  4. Fixed-interval 3

Explanation

A fixed-ratio schedule delivers reinforcement after a fixed number of responses, here every third response. Interval schedules depend on time, and variable schedules change the requirement across deliveries.

Question 9Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A student's disruptive behavior is maintained by attention. Which intervention is most directly matched to that function?

  1. Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior with attention Correct answer.
  2. Response cost for off-task behavior
  3. Extinction of escape from tasks
  4. Escape extinction combined with task modification

Explanation

When attention maintains behavior, teaching and reinforcing an appropriate alternative with attention provides the same reinforcer for a desirable response. Escape-based procedures address behaviors maintained by negative reinforcement rather than attention.

Question 10Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

During a functional analysis, a therapist provides attention only after the client engages in the target behavior. Which condition is being tested?

  1. Attention condition Correct answer.
  2. Demand condition
  3. Alone condition
  4. Tangible condition

Explanation

In the attention condition, attention is delivered contingent on the target behavior, testing whether attention functions as reinforcement. The demand and tangible conditions manipulate task presentation and access to items, respectively.

Question 11Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst conducts a structured interview and scatterplot before designing a functional analysis. This sequence best illustrates which approach?

  1. Treatment integrity monitoring
  2. Experimental manipulation followed by descriptive assessment
  3. Preference assessment
  4. Indirect assessment followed by direct assessment Correct answer.

Explanation

Interviews and scatterplots are indirect, informant-based methods that typically precede direct observation and experimental analysis. The sequence moves from lower to higher levels of experimental control, not the reverse.

Question 12Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

Which statement best describes the principle of reinforcement?

  1. A consequence that increases the future frequency of a behavior Correct answer.
  2. A consequence that decreases the future frequency of a behavior
  3. The removal of a stimulus that has no effect on behavior
  4. A stimulus that precedes a behavior and elicits a reflex

Explanation

Reinforcement is defined by its effect: a consequence that increases the future probability or frequency of the behavior it follows. Consequences that decrease behavior describe punishment, and antecedent stimuli describe elicitation or stimulus control.

Question 13Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A child receives a sticker for each day without a tantrum. Over time, the tantrums decrease. The sticker functions as which of the following?

  1. A discriminative stimulus
  2. A punisher
  3. A reinforcer Correct answer.
  4. An establishing operation

Explanation

A consequence that increases the behavior it follows, here days without tantrums, is a reinforcer. Punishers decrease behavior, and establishing operations and discriminative stimuli are antecedent variables rather than consequences.

Question 14Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

Which procedure involves withholding the reinforcer that previously maintained a behavior?

  1. Prompting
  2. Punishment
  3. Shaping
  4. Extinction Correct answer.

Explanation

Extinction is the discontinuation of the reinforcement that maintained a behavior, which typically produces a gradual decline. Punishment adds a consequence, while shaping and prompting are acquisition procedures.

Question 15Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

After extinction begins, a behavior temporarily increases in frequency and intensity. This phenomenon is called which of the following?

  1. Response generalization
  2. Extinction burst Correct answer.
  3. Resurgence
  4. Spontaneous recovery

Explanation

An extinction burst is a temporary increase in the frequency, intensity, or variability of behavior at the start of extinction. Spontaneous recovery is the reappearance of behavior after a pause, and resurgence is the return of previously reinforced behavior.

Question 16Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A teacher wants a student to write a full paragraph. She first reinforces writing single words, then phrases, then sentences, then paragraphs. This is an example of which procedure?

  1. Shaping Correct answer.
  2. Discrimination training
  3. Fading
  4. Chaining

Explanation

Shaping reinforces successive approximations to a terminal response, moving gradually toward the final form. Chaining links discrete component behaviors in sequence, and fading removes prompts rather than changing the response requirement.

Question 17Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A task analysis breaks a complex skill into steps, and the learner is taught the first step to mastery before moving to the second. Which chaining method is being used?

  1. Whole-task chaining
  2. Forward chaining Correct answer.
  3. Backward chaining
  4. Total task presentation

Explanation

Forward chaining teaches the first step in the sequence to criterion, then adds subsequent steps in order. Backward chaining starts with the final step, and total task presentation teaches all steps in each session.

Question 18Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A therapist provides a verbal cue, then a model, then a physical prompt in successive trials, giving less assistance each time. This is best described as which of the following?

  1. Stimulus fading
  2. Time delay
  3. Most-to-least prompting Correct answer.
  4. Least-to-most prompting

Explanation

Most-to-least prompting begins with the most intrusive assistance and systematically reduces it across trials. Least-to-most prompting starts with minimal assistance and escalates only if needed, and time delay inserts a pause before prompting.

Question 19Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A student can name a picture of a dog but cannot name a real dog in the park. This failure to respond to a similar but different stimulus is best described as which of the following?

  1. Response generalization
  2. Stimulus generalization
  3. Faulty stimulus control Correct answer.
  4. Discrimination

Explanation

Faulty or restricted stimulus control occurs when a response comes under the control of a narrow set of stimulus features, so it fails to occur with similar stimuli. Stimulus generalization would describe the appropriate spread of responding across similar stimuli.

Question 20Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst teaches a client to identify the color red when a red card is presented, then intermixes red, blue, and green cards. What is the purpose of intermixing the other colors?

  1. To reduce the need for prompting
  2. To establish a fixed-ratio schedule
  3. To establish a conditional discrimination and strengthen stimulus control Correct answer.
  4. To increase the reinforcing value of the red card

Explanation

Presenting the target stimulus alongside other stimuli teaches the learner to respond differentially, establishing conditional discrimination and stronger stimulus control. Reinforcement value and schedule effects are separate concerns from discrimination training.

Question 21Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

Which of the following best describes a motivating operation?

  1. An environmental variable that alters the value of a consequence and the frequency of behavior related to it Correct answer.
  2. A consequence that follows a behavior and strengthens it
  3. A schedule that determines when reinforcement is delivered
  4. A stimulus that signals when reinforcement is available

Explanation

A motivating operation is an environmental variable that changes the effectiveness of a consequence as reinforcement and evokes or abates behavior that has produced that consequence. Discriminative stimuli, consequences, and schedules are separate concepts.

Question 22Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A student who frequently leaves the desk to escape difficult worksheets is given easier tasks first and access to a break after completing a portion of work. Which function is being addressed?

  1. Access to tangibles
  2. Automatic reinforcement
  3. Escape from demands Correct answer.
  4. Attention

Explanation

Leaving the desk to avoid difficult work indicates behavior maintained by escape from task demands, so modifying the task and providing earned breaks addresses that function. Attention, tangible, and automatic functions would require different interventions.

Question 23Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst collects baseline data, applies an intervention, withdraws it, reapplies it, and observes the behavior change with each phase change. This design is best described as which of the following?

  1. Changing criterion design
  2. Alternating treatments design
  3. Multiple baseline across behaviors
  4. Reversal design Correct answer.

Explanation

A reversal design alternates baseline and intervention conditions to show that behavior changes with the intervention and reverses when it is withdrawn. Multiple baseline designs stagger the start of intervention across settings or behaviors, and changing criterion designs use stepwise goals.

Question 24Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

Which of the following is the best example of a conditioned reinforcer?

  1. Food when a learner is hungry
  2. A bright light that elicits pupil constriction
  3. A token that can be exchanged for a preferred item Correct answer.
  4. A loud noise that startles a learner

Explanation

A conditioned reinforcer acquires its reinforcing value through pairing with established reinforcers, as tokens do when exchanged for backup items. Food for a hungry learner is an unconditioned reinforcer, and reflexive elicitors are not reinforcers.

Question 25Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst wants to reduce a behavior by removing a preferred activity for a brief period after the behavior occurs. Which procedure does this describe?

  1. Extinction
  2. Response cost
  3. Overcorrection
  4. Time-out from positive reinforcement Correct answer.

Explanation

Time-out removes access to available positive reinforcement for a period following the behavior. Response cost removes a specific amount of reinforcement such as tokens, and overcorrection requires restitution or practice of appropriate behavior.

Question 26Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst records the number of hand raises a student makes during each 10-minute lesson. Which dimension of behavior is being measured?

  1. Interresponse time
  2. Latency
  3. Duration
  4. Count Correct answer.

Explanation

Count measures the number of occurrences of a behavior within a specified time period. It does not measure how long the behavior lasts, how much time passes before it begins, or the time between successive responses.

Question 27Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst observes a client for 2 hours and records whether the client is on-task or off-task at the end of each 5-minute interval. Which measurement method is being used?

  1. Whole-interval recording
  2. Momentary time sampling Correct answer.
  3. Partial-interval recording
  4. Event recording

Explanation

Momentary time sampling records whether the behavior is occurring at the exact moment the interval ends, not throughout the interval. Whole-interval and partial-interval recording require observing the entire interval, and event recording counts each response.

Question 28Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A teacher wants to increase the rate of a student's completed assignments. Which graph would best display the cumulative number of assignments completed over successive days?

  1. Bar graph
  2. Cumulative record Correct answer.
  3. Line graph
  4. Scatterplot

Explanation

A cumulative record shows the total number of responses over time, so the slope indicates the rate of responding. Line graphs and bar graphs show overall levels per session, and a scatterplot shows the distribution of behavior across time periods.

Question 29Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst reinforces a rat's lever pressing on a fixed-ratio 10 schedule. After the rat receives reinforcement, it pauses briefly before pressing again. This pause is best described as which of the following?

  1. Adventitious reinforcement
  2. Post-reinforcement pause Correct answer.
  3. Spontaneous recovery
  4. Extinction burst

Explanation

On ratio schedules, a pause in responding typically follows reinforcement delivery, especially as the ratio requirement increases. This post-reinforcement pause is a characteristic pattern of ratio schedules.

Question 30Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in aggression maintained by access to tangible items. Which intervention is most directly matched to this function?

  1. Teaching the client to request items with a break card Correct answer.
  2. Providing attention on a fixed-time schedule
  3. Implementing a time-out procedure for aggression
  4. Using a token economy for appropriate behavior

Explanation

Functional communication training teaches an alternative response that produces the same reinforcer maintaining the problem behavior. For tangible-maintained behavior, teaching a request for the item directly replaces the aggression with a communicative response.

Question 31Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst records the number of times a student leaves their seat during a 30-minute class. To establish a reliable baseline, the analyst should collect data:

  1. Once, immediately before intervention
  2. Only during the last 5 minutes of class
  3. Only when the student is disruptive
  4. Across multiple sessions until the data are stable Correct answer.

Explanation

Baseline data should be collected across multiple sessions until a stable pattern is evident, so that any change after intervention can be attributed to the intervention. A single observation or a partial session may not represent typical performance.

Question 32Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is designing a program to teach a client to brush their teeth. She breaks the task into smaller steps and teaches them in order. This process is called:

  1. Task analysis Correct answer.
  2. Discrimination training
  3. Shaping
  4. Chaining

Explanation

Task analysis is the process of breaking a complex skill into smaller, teachable components. Chaining refers to linking the steps together, shaping reinforces successive approximations, and discrimination training teaches responding differently to different stimuli.

Question 33Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A teacher is teaching a student to tie shoes. The teacher completes the first several steps and then has the student complete the final step. The teacher then gradually requires the student to complete more steps. Which chaining procedure is being used?

  1. Backward chaining Correct answer.
  2. Total task presentation
  3. Shaping
  4. Forward chaining

Explanation

Backward chaining begins with the last step of the chain, with the teacher completing the earlier steps. The learner gradually completes more steps in reverse order until the entire chain is mastered.

Question 34Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is teaching a client to use a picture exchange system to request preferred items. The client is first taught to pick up a picture and hand it to the therapist. This initial phase is best described as:

  1. Shaping Correct answer.
  2. Fading
  3. Prompting
  4. Discrimination training

Explanation

Shaping involves reinforcing successive approximations to a target behavior. In this case, the client is reinforced for a behavior that approximates the final request response, such as picking up and handing over the picture.

Question 35Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in self-injurious behavior. Before implementing a treatment, the analyst conducts a functional analysis. The primary purpose of the functional analysis is to:

  1. Measure the intelligence quotient
  2. Determine the client's diagnosis
  3. Identify the reinforcers maintaining the behavior Correct answer.
  4. Assess the client's medication needs

Explanation

A functional analysis systematically manipulates environmental variables to identify the reinforcers that maintain problem behavior. It is not used to determine diagnoses, intelligence, or medication needs.

Question 36Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is using a multiple baseline design across settings to evaluate an intervention. The intervention is introduced in the first setting after baseline, then in the second setting after the first shows improvement, and then in the third. The purpose of staggering the introduction is to:

  1. Control for the effects of the independent variable
  2. Increase the variability of the data
  3. Reduce the need for baseline data
  4. Demonstrate that behavior change is due to the intervention Correct answer.

Explanation

In a multiple baseline design, staggering the introduction of the intervention across settings, behaviors, or participants helps demonstrate that changes are due to the intervention rather than to extraneous variables. If behavior changes only after the intervention is introduced in each setting, the intervention's effect is supported.

Question 37Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who frequently engages in tantrums. The analyst notices that tantrums often occur when the client is asked to complete difficult tasks. The analyst hypothesizes that tantrums are maintained by escape from demands. To test this hypothesis, the analyst should:

  1. Provide preferred items contingent on tantrums
  2. Provide a break from demands contingent on tantrums Correct answer.
  3. Provide attention contingent on tantrums
  4. Ignore all tantrums

Explanation

In a functional analysis, each test condition manipulates a specific consequence to test its effect on behavior. To test the escape hypothesis, the analyst would provide escape from demands contingent on the target behavior and observe whether tantrums increase.

Question 38Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is teaching a client to identify common objects. The client is shown a ball and asked, "What is it?" The client says, "Ball." The analyst then presents a cup and asks, "What is it?" The client says, "Cup." This teaching procedure is best described as:

  1. Natural environment training
  2. Discrete trial training Correct answer.
  3. Discrimination training
  4. Incidental teaching

Explanation

Discrete trial training involves breaking skills into small trials, each with a clear instruction, a response, and a consequence. The analyst presents a discriminative stimulus, the client responds, and the response is reinforced.

Question 39Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in aggression. The analyst wants to reduce aggression by reinforcing a behavior that is incompatible with aggression, such as keeping hands in pockets. This procedure is called:

  1. Differential reinforcement of other behavior
  2. Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior Correct answer.
  3. Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior
  4. Differential reinforcement of low rates

Explanation

Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI) reinforces a behavior that cannot occur at the same time as the problem behavior. Keeping hands in pockets is physically incompatible with aggression.

Question 40Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A teacher wants to reduce a student's out-of-seat behavior. She decides to praise the student every 5 minutes if the student is sitting in their seat. This is an example of which procedure?

  1. Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior
  2. Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior
  3. Differential reinforcement of other behavior Correct answer.
  4. Differential reinforcement of low rates

Explanation

Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) delivers reinforcement after a specified interval in which the problem behavior does not occur. Praising the student every 5 minutes if they are not out of their seat reinforces the absence of the problem behavior.

Question 41Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is using a token economy in a classroom. Students earn tokens for completing assignments and can exchange them for prizes. The tokens are an example of:

  1. Conditioned reinforcer Correct answer.
  2. Primary reinforcer
  3. Punisher
  4. Unconditioned reinforcer

Explanation

Tokens are conditioned reinforcers because they acquire their reinforcing value through pairing with backup reinforcers such as prizes. Primary or unconditioned reinforcers are naturally reinforcing without learning.

Question 42Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in spitting. The analyst decides to use a procedure in which the client is required to complete a simple task (e.g., wiping the table) contingent on each instance of spitting. This procedure is best described as:

  1. Positive practice overcorrection Correct answer.
  2. Time-out
  3. Negative practice
  4. Response cost

Explanation

Positive practice overcorrection requires the client to repeatedly practice an appropriate behavior contingent on the problem behavior. Having the client wipe the table is an effortful response that is topographically related to the problem behavior.

Question 43Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in property destruction. The analyst implements a procedure in which the client loses 5 minutes of recess time for each instance of property destruction. This procedure is an example of:

  1. Extinction
  2. Response cost Correct answer.
  3. Overcorrection
  4. Time-out

Explanation

Response cost is a punishment procedure in which a specified amount of a reinforcer is removed contingent on the problem behavior. Losing recess time is the removal of a reinforcer.

Question 44Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is teaching a client to make eye contact. The analyst provides a prompt (e.g., "Look at me") and then gradually reduces the prompt across trials. This procedure is called:

  1. Prompt fading Correct answer.
  2. Prompt delay
  3. Errorless learning
  4. Stimulus fading

Explanation

Prompt fading is the gradual removal of a prompt so that the behavior comes under the control of the natural discriminative stimulus. The prompt is systematically reduced across trials.

Question 45Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in screaming. The analyst wants to reduce screaming by reinforcing a more appropriate behavior, such as asking for help. The analyst should use:

  1. Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior
  2. Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior Correct answer.
  3. Differential reinforcement of low rates
  4. Differential reinforcement of other behavior

Explanation

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) reinforces a specific alternative response that is functionally equivalent to the problem behavior. Asking for help is an alternative response that may access the same reinforcer as screaming.

Question 46Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in hand flapping. The analyst decides to implement a procedure in which the client is required to sit on their hands for 30 seconds contingent on each instance of hand flapping. This procedure is best described as:

  1. Response cost
  2. Overcorrection
  3. Time-out from positive reinforcement Correct answer.
  4. Extinction

Explanation

Time-out from positive reinforcement involves removing access to reinforcement for a specified period contingent on the problem behavior. Sitting on hands prevents the behavior and removes access to ongoing reinforcement.

Question 47Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in elopement. The analyst decides to use a procedure in which the client is required to practice walking appropriately to the door and back contingent on each instance of elopement. This procedure is best described as:

  1. Time-out
  2. Response cost
  3. Positive practice overcorrection Correct answer.
  4. Negative practice

Explanation

Positive practice overcorrection requires the client to repeatedly practice an appropriate behavior contingent on the problem behavior. Practicing walking appropriately to the door and back is an effortful response that is topographically related to elopement.

Question 48Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in food refusal. The analyst decides to use a procedure in which the client is required to eat a small amount of food and then is given access to a preferred item. This procedure is best described as:

  1. Contingency contracting
  2. Behavioral momentum
  3. High-probability sequence
  4. Premack principle Correct answer.

Explanation

The Premack principle states that a high-probability behavior can be used to reinforce a low-probability behavior. Eating a small amount of food (low-probability) is reinforced by access to a preferred item (high-probability).

Question 49Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in aggression. The analyst decides to use a procedure in which the client is reinforced for each 10 minutes without aggression. This is an example of:

  1. Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior
  2. Differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior
  3. Differential reinforcement of other behavior Correct answer.
  4. Differential reinforcement of low rates

Explanation

Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) reinforces the absence of the problem behavior for a specified interval. Reinforcing the client for each 10 minutes without aggression is a DRO procedure.

Question 50Behavior Analysis Content Domain (not enumerated in source; see Test Content Outlines)

A behavior analyst is working with a client who engages in self-injurious behavior. The analyst decides to use a procedure in which the client wears a helmet to prevent injury. This procedure is best described as:

  1. Response prevention
  2. Extinction
  3. Antecedent intervention Correct answer.
  4. Punishment

Explanation

Antecedent interventions are strategies implemented before the behavior occurs to prevent it or reduce its likelihood. Providing a helmet alters the environment before the behavior occurs to prevent injury.