Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Questions + Answers

[answerhappygod]

Question 1 ( Volume A )
When presenting extinction as a possible treatment option to a client and his or her family, it is MOST important for a behavior analyst to
A. assure them that extinction is supported in the literature as an effective procedure.
B. present it along with other interventions, including reinforcement based alternatives.
C. discuss the risks and benefits of using extinction and assure them that it is the best option.
D. explain his or her experience using extinction with similar cases.


Answer : B

Question 2 ( Volume A )
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
A. explain his level of competence in sign language to the family before beginning service.
B. hire a sign language interpreter to attend the sessions.
C. attend a workshop in sign language prior to beginning service.
D. refer the family to a behavior analyst fluent in sign language.


Answer : D

Question 3 ( Volume A )
Fara has identified two procedures that have an equal probability of being effective. In order to select the better procedure, she should
A. choose the procedure that falls within the staff's level of competence.
B. determine which procedure is most clinically popular based on the rate of use by professionals.
C. select the procedure that best utilizes the existing funding stream.
D. use a random number table to rule out bias. A


Answer : Explanation

Question 4 ( Volume A )
Which of the following would BEST contribute to a behavior analyst"™s professional development?
A. attending a workshop that provides videotaped examples and practice activities for innovative interventions
B. reading articles from a peer-reviewed applied behavior analysis journal that describe techniques that are applicable to her client population
C. becoming a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, which is a rich resource for behavior analysts
D. contributing an article to the newsletter of the local Association for Behavior Analysis chapter


Answer : B

Question 5 ( Volume A )
Before recruitment of participants for a research study begins, a behavior analyst needs to:
A. obtain consent from participant(s) or legal guardian(s) if necessary.
B. obtain institutional review board approval or equivalent (e.g., an ethics committee).
C. inform participants of their ability to withdraw from the study.
D. inform participants about ethical requirements and experimental procedures.


Answer : B


Question 6 ( Volume A )
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
A. Billy.
B. clinical review committee.
C. human rights committee.
D. Billy's parents.


Answer : A

Question 7 ( Volume A )
From an ethical standpoint, target behaviors and program goals should be selected
A. by service providers and staff members who are knowledgeable of the consumer's needs.
B. by the consumer or their representative in consultation with an interdisciplinary team.
C. so that they ultimately facilitate transition to independent living.
D. that most closely adhere to the standards of the community.


Answer : B

Question 8 ( Volume A )
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
A. differentiate between compliance rates across different directives.
B. request that staff provide a ratio of compliant behaviors to noncompliant ones.
C. determine a list of potential reinforcers for the behavior program.
D. consider the ethical implications of training Fred to comply with all directives.


Answer : D

Question 9 ( Volume A )
A behavior analyst specializing in developmental disabilities is informed by a cousin at a family gathering that their 2-year-old child has just received a diagnosis of autism and severe intellectual disability. The cousin asks the behavior analyst for advice. Which statement BEST conforms to the ethical and professional standards for behavior analysts?
A. It would be unprofessional and unethical for the behavior analyst to advise a relative.
B. The behavior analyst can consult with their cousin, but only on an informal basis once the cousin hires their own behavior analyst.
C. Early intensive behavioral intervention may suit the child and family. The behavior analyst should suggest some people for the cousin to contact.
D. Tell the cousin that the child will benefit from behavioral intervention with the impact of the intervention depending on the specific treatment that is implemented. C


Answer : Explanation

Question 10 ( Volume A )
From an ethical standpoint, which source provides the MOST appropriate information for justifying implementation of a program to change a person's behavior?
A. daily reports from the direct care staff who work with the person routinely
B. graphed data from the program staff who observe the person regularly
C. written recommendations from the medical staff who treat the person on a regular basis
D. written requests from the administrative staff who are ultimately responsible for the person's care


Answer : B




10 questions per page
Question 11 ( Volume A )
A behavior analyst develops a program that decreases a baby's crying when her diaper is soiled. This is an example of
A. development of a procedure to decrease maladaptive behaviors.
B. differential reinforcement of alternative responses.
C. extinction.
D. misuse of a practitioner's ability to control behavior.


Answer : D

Question 12 ( Volume A )
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?
A. Implement the contingency as designed.
B. Modify the contingency to include points earned for academic performance.
C. Obtain the consent of the students' parents.
D. Require points to be earned outside the classroom. C


Answer : Explanation

Question 13 ( Volume A )
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?
A. Every time Mitch uses the washroom, an aide stands at the door, records the task analysis steps successfully completed, and posts the results on the bathroom door.
B. If all steps to toileting and hand-washing are completed successfully, the teacher gives Mitch a smile and notes the frequency on a chart at her desk.
C. If Mitch makes errors on toileting and hand-washing tasks, a positive practice procedure is implemented.
D. Upon successful completion of toileting and hand-washing, the teacher announces, "Good toileting, Mitch," and marks the success on a wall chart.


Answer : B

Question 14 ( Volume A )
A colleague who is friends with one of a behavior analyst's clients asks the behavior analyst during a break at a local peer review meeting how the case is going.

The behavior analyst should -
A. ask the colleague if the client has given permission to discuss the case.
B. inform the colleague that he can't discuss this and change the subject.
C. discuss the case in hypothetical terms without using the client's name.
D. provide a minimum amount of information so that the colleague can assist him.


Answer : B

Question 15 ( Volume A )
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?
A. Remind the family that his area of expertise is special education and ABA.
B. Conduct a descriptive assessment and collect baseline data in order to develop an intervention.
C. Consult with colleagues who have expertise in treating mood disorders in order to design an effective intervention.
D. Refer the family to a colleague who has expertise in diagnosing mood disorders.


Answer : D


Question 16 ( Volume A )
From an ethical standpoint, evaluation of treatment outcomes should occur through
A. direct measurement of the individual's behavior.
B. discussion with the interdisciplinary team.
C. continuous evaluation of program integrity.
D. a system based on randomly monitoring program outcomes.


Answer : A

Question 17 ( Volume A )
Scott, a behavior analyst, has been accepted into a doctoral program and will be leaving the in-home treatment program where he has been working. Scott has informed the family about when he will be leaving. What is the MOST important action for Scott to take?
A. Make copies of his data and case files for his records.
B. Ask the family whether they would like to continue treatment.
C. Make arrangements for transfer of services to another qualified behavior analyst.
D. Assess caregiver's skills in order to determine competence to maintain program integrity.


Answer : C

Question 18 ( Volume A )
After collecting baseline data and verifying the hypothesis, which of the following is the BEST approach to use when selecting behavior change procedures?
A. Ask professionals in the individual's environment to list procedures to address the unique circumstances involved.
B. Use a procedure that has previously been found to be socially valid based on staff evaluations.
C. Limit selection to behavior change procedures that are consistent with those documented in the behavioral literature.
D. Review all journals containing procedures that may apply to the behavior targeted for change.


Answer : C

Question 19 ( Volume A )
Which statement is an example of "philosophic doubt"?
A. Attention is the most powerful reinforcer for most clients so it will probably work with Freddie.
B. I have many reservations about using the principles of behavior in designing treatment programs.
C. I really do not think that food functions as a reinforcer for Linda since she often misses meals.
D. Past research has shown that verbal behavior training is effective but this could change when new research is conducted.


Answer : D

Question 20 ( Volume A )
Which is NOT true of determinism?
A. Science is based on determinism.
B. Determinism is in contrast to empiricism.
C. All science is predicated on determinism.
D. The universe is orderly and follows universal laws.


Answer : B


Question 21 ( Volume A )
What is the reinforcing consequence in "I itch, therefore I scratch?"
A. automatic positive reinforcement
B. automatic negative reinforcement
C. proprioceptive positive reinforcement
D. proprioceptive negative reinforcement


Answer : B

Question 22 ( Volume A )
Which is NOT a characteristic of applied behavior analysis?
A. describing behavior in a way that can be objectively measured
B. precisely describing procedures and the rationales for using them
C. an emphasis on the current function of the behavior in question
D. reliably determining the variables that initially caused the behavior D


Answer : Explanation

Question 23 ( Volume A )
One of the properties of behavior is
A. size.
B. effectiveness.
C. repeatability.
D. universality.


Answer : C

Question 24 ( Volume A )
Sue consults with her supervisor to be certain her procedures are conceptually systematic. Conceptually systematic procedures are
A. based on empirical evidence of their effectiveness.
B. derived from experimental analysis of similar behavior in the field.
C. identifiers of functional relations between a behavioral dimension and an environmental event.
D. linked to and described in terms of the basic principles of behavior.


Answer : D

Question 25 ( Volume A )
Three boys with autism, ages 7""10 years old, served as participants in a study. During baseline, staff used response blocking when five instances of aggression or head-banging occurred within 10 seconds, until attempts ceased for 1 minute. During baseline and treatment, each occurrence of aggression and head-banging was recorded daily and converted to the number of responses per hour. Treatment comprised a differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI) schedule coupled with response blocking after every head-banging or aggression. The staff initially applied the treatment to head-banging, while continuing to take a baseline on aggression. After noting treatment effects on head-banging, the staff then applied the treatment to aggression.
What is the independent variable?
A. DRI schedule with instruction on the incompatible behavior
B. DRI schedule and response blocking
C. rate of the incompatible behavior
D. number of head-bangs and aggressions per hour


Answer : B


Question 26 ( Volume A )
When demands are placed on Raoul, he is often observed to hit his head, bite his hand, or slap the therapist. These behaviors are reinforced by termination of the demands. Taken together, these behaviors comprise
A. an establishing operation.
B. a functional response class.
C. respondent behaviors.
D. a topographical response class. B


Answer : Explanation

Question 27 ( Volume A )
A stimulus is defined as -
A. a change in behavior brought about by alterations of the physical environment.
B. a change in the environment that can affect behavior.
C. a change in the environment that elicits a response with or without prior conditioning.
D. any environmental event exclusive of private events.


Answer : B

Question 28 ( Volume A )
Which situation is likely to be an example of negative reinforcement?
A. A child puts a coin into a machine and gets a gumball.
B. An employee submits reports to a nagging boss and boss stops nagging.
C. An employee submits time sheet to payroll department and gets paid on Friday.
D. A student has a tantrum and the teacher gives a hug to calm them down.


Answer : B

Question 29 ( Volume A )
Angela nurses her newborn infant when he cries. Rates of crying increase. The presentation of the milk functions as a(n)
A. unconditioned reinforcer.
B. discriminative stimulus.
C. establishing operation.
D. conditioned reinforcer.


Answer : A

Question 30 ( Volume A )
In the past, Parnelli consistently drove at high speeds on city streets. However, he was pulled over and had to immediately pay a very expensive fine. Afterward,
Parnelli very seldom drove at high rates of speed. Which of the following might account for the effect of the lost money resulting from paying the fine?
A. negative punishment
B. negative reinforcement
C. positive punishment
D. escape conditioning


Answer : A


Question 31 ( Volume A )
Patrick is participating in a toilet training program. For the first several sessions his trainer, Moira, prompted him to go to the toilet and she delivered edibles and praise each time he correctly voided. Eventually, Moira was able to fade prompts as Patrick began to go to the toilet and void independently. Which of the following BEST describes this process?
A. establishing operation
B. negative reinforcement
C. shifting from respondent to operant behavior
D. transfer of stimulus control


Answer : D

Question 32 ( Volume A )
Fiona cannot independently open her lunchbox. It is lunch time. The teacher closes the latch on Fiona's lunchbox and places it in front of Fiona. The teacher has manipulated the
A. consequence.
B. establishing operation.
C. contingency.
D. prompt.


Answer : B

Question 33 ( Volume A )
The dependency between a response and the stimuli that precede and follow it is referred to as a
A. behavior chain.
B. behavioral correlation.
C. contingency.
D. functional response class. C


Answer : Explanation

Question 34 ( Volume A )
A functional relationship is said to exist when two events
A. are similar in content.
B. consistently co-vary.
C. occur at the same rate.
D. occur simultaneously.


Answer : B

Question 35 ( Volume A )
Larry engages in self-injurious behavior which is maintained by automatic reinforcement. This behavior results in abrasions on both of his arms as a result of intense scratching. The behavior analyst decides to have Larry only wear long sleeved shirts as an initial effort to reduce the behavior. This is an example of which type of procedure?
A. extinction
B. deprivation
C. punishment
D. differential reinforcement


Answer : A


Question 36 ( Volume A )
A person engages in target behaviors in environments different from the original training environment. This is a demonstration of
A. stimulus generalization.
B. response generalization.
C. stimulus discrimination.
D. response induction.


Answer : A

Question 37 ( Volume A )
Terry notices that his heart rate increases and he begins to sweat when he enters the dentist's office because the office is associated with painful, unpleasant dental work. He also is reluctant to make appointments and seems to want to do anything else but go to the dentist. His physical symptoms are an example of .
A. operant behavior.
B. respondent behavior.
C. escape conditioning.
D. aversive conditioning.


Answer : B

Question 38 ( Volume A )
The defining feature of operant conditioning, as contrasted with respondent conditioning, is that the probability of behavior in operant conditioning is changed because of
A. changes in consequences.
B. conditioning history.
C. environmental changes.
D. stimulus pairing. A


Answer : Explanation

Question 39 ( Volume A )
Echoic behavior is controlled by a
A. non-verbal stimulus, the response matches that stimulus, and reinforcer is specific.
B. verbal stimulus, the response matches that stimulus, and reinforcer is non-specific.
C. verbal stimulus, the response matches that stimulus, and reinforcer is specific.
D. verbal stimulus, the response does not match that stimulus, and reinforcer is non-specific.


Answer : B

Question 40 ( Volume A )
A behavior analyst is conducting a communication training session with a child. The behavior analyst says to the child, "Say your name." The child says, "Sarah." and the behavior analyst delivers a reinforcer. What type of verbal operant was the behavior analyst's statement?
A. echoic
B. mand
C. prompt
D. tact


Answer : B


Question 41 ( Volume A )
Tact behavior is controlled by a ________ stimulus. The reinforcer for tact behavior is _____.
A. non-verbal; non-specific
B. non-verbal; specific
C. verbal; non-specific
D. verbal; specific


Answer : A

Question 42 ( Volume A )
Mr. Myers asks Susan what her favorite food is. Susan answers, "Spaghetti." This is an example of a (n):
A. autoclitic.
B. intraverbal.
C. mand.
D. tact.


Answer : B

Question 43 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : D

Question 44 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : D

Question 45 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : D


Question 46 ( Volume A )
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 : D

Question 47 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : A

Question 48 ( Volume A )
The most appropriate tool for performing a behavior pattern analysis is a (n):
A. ABC form.
B. daily schedule.
C. narrative recording.
D. scatterplot. D


Answer : Explanation

Question 49 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : A

Question 50 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : C


Question 51 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : C

Question 52 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : B

Question 53 ( Volume A )
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


Answer : A

Question 54 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : D

Question 55 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : C


Question 56 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : C

Question 57 ( Volume A )
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 : D

Question 58 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : C

Question 59 ( Volume A )
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


Answer : D

Question 60 ( Volume A )
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.


Answer : B