Program Procedure Basics
What is the purpose of a program procedure in ABA?
To provide clear and consistent instructions for teaching.
Why should internal states be avoided in operational definitions?
Internal states cannot be directly observed and measured.
What are common mistakes when writing program procedure?
Vagueness, subjective, missing steps, unclear prompting, using language that is difficult to understand.
What does treatment integrity/program fidelity mean?
A procedure is implement exactly as it was designed.
An RBT implements a procedure differently than others. What system should the BCBA review?
Treatment integrity
Why should programs avoid vague terms like "appropriate" or "inappropriate behavior"?
They are subjective and difficult to measure reliably.
Why should prompt levels be clearly described in a procedure?
To ensure staff use the specific prompt accurately and consistently.
Why should prerequisite skills be assessed?
Missing prerequisite skills can prevent progress.
What is the BCBA's responsibility regarding supervision of implementation?
Monitoring implementation and making necessary revisions.
Data show no improvement for 4 weeks. Name two things the BCBA should evaluate.
Treatment integrity and reinforcement effectiveness.
Why is consistency important when writing program procedures?
Improves treatment integrity and client's progress.
Why should program procedures include step-by-step instructions?
So all staff implement the procedure similarly.
What should be reviewed first if a client is not progressing?
Treatment integrity and implementation consistency.
Why is collaboration with caregivers important?
Caregivers support generalization and consistency.
A procedure uses long paragraphs and unclear wording. What implementation concern may occur?
Staff confusion and inconsistent implementation.
Why should programs be individualized for each client?
What is an error correction procedure and why should it be written clearly?
A planned response following an incorrect response, it ensure consistency and reduce confusion for client and staff.
Why is ongoing program revision necessary?
Client's needs and performance change over time.
What is the risk of copying programs from another client?
Programs may not match the client's needs.
How would you modify a program for a learner with prompt dependency?
Use systematic prompt fading and high value reinforcer for correct, independent responding.
What does "replicable" mean in program writing?
Different staff can implement the procedure the same way.
Describe how you would write an error correction procedure for receptive identification.
Provide corrective feedback, represent SD, deliver controlling prompt, reinforce correct prompted response, transfer trial, reinforce.
What should a BCBA do if staff implement the program inconsistently?
Provide retraining, modeling, and performance feedback.
Why must programs be evidence-based?
Evidence-based procedures improve effectiveness and ethical practice.
Why should procedures include examples and non-examples of the correct/incorrect responses?
They help to record accurate data and staff understanding.