Skill Acquisition
A technician begins by providing a full physical prompt and gradually reduces assistance until the learner responds independently.
What is most to least prompting
A learner throws materials when presented with work. Staff remove the task following the behavior.
What consequence is likely maintaining the behavior?
Escape
A learner engages in tantrums of varying length. Frequency data show five tantrums every day.
Why might frequency be insufficient?
It does not capture how long each tantrum lasts
An RBT observes that aggression usually occurs when difficult work is presented.
Has the function been identified?
No. A pattern has been observed, but the function has not been confirmed.
A parent asks an RBT whether they think medication changes would help the child.
What should the RBT do?
Refer the discussion to appropriate professionals and remain within scope.
A learner independently completes steps 1-3 of handwashing. The technician provides partial physical guides on step 4, the learner independently completes steps 5-7. Then the tech delivers reinforcement.
What is total task chaining
A learner receives praise for asking peers to play rather than grabbing toys.
What differential reinforcement procedure is being used?
DRA
An RBT records behavior only if it occurs throughout an entire interval.
What is whole interval recording
A learner selects a toy from an array of six items. The selected item is returned before the next trial.
What assessment is being conducted?
MSW
A BCBA is unavailable and a parent requests immediate changes to the behavior plan.
Can the RBT modify the plan?
no
Reinforcement is provided for sitting progressively longer periods during circle time until the learner can sit for the entire activity.
What is shaping
A learner frequently grabs materials from peers during group activities. Staff provide reinforcement when the learner keeps both hands engaged with their own activity materials for the entire center rotation.
What is DRI
A learner engages in stereotypy almost continuously throughout session.
Which measurement system may overestimate behavior?
Partial Interval Recording
A technician writes: "Client was manipulative and refused to cooperate."
What is wrong with this documentation?
It contains subjective language
An RBT notices data were not collected during part of session and considers estimating the missing information.
Why is this unethical?
It compromises data integrity
A learner can identify colors during DTT but not during art class or recess.
What skill deficit is occurring?
Lack of generalization
A learner hits staff to gain attention. Staff completely withhold attention following hitting while teaching appropriate ways to gain attention.
What two procedures are occurring simultaneously?
Extinction and FCT
An RBT is measuring the time between "Clean up your toys" and the learner beginning cleanup.
What measurement dimension is being recorded?
While collecting ABC data, the RBT notes: Demand presented → throwing materials → work removed.
Which part of the ABC data suggests a possible function?
the consequence
A learner's aggression suddenly increases significantly over three sessions.
What is the RBT's responsibility?
Document accurately and report the change to the supervisor
A BCBA recommends moving from most-to-least prompting to a progressive time delay procedure.
What is the primary reason for this change?
To reduce prompt dependency and increase independent responding
A learner engages in screaming maintained by escape. Staff continue presenting demands while blocking screaming from resulting in task removal.
What temporary side effect might be expected?
Extinction burst
A therapist records whether a behavior is occurring precisely when a timer sounds every 2 minutes.
What is momentary time sampling
A client selected an item first during a preference assessment but never interacted with it during session.
Why should the RBT be cautious about assuming it is a reinforcer?
Preference does not automatically equal reinforcement.
An RBT has implemented a procedure many times but does not fully understand why it is being used.
What should the RBT do?
Seek supervision and additional training rather than assume understanding.