ABA basics
What is the primary goal of ABA?
To improve socially significant behaviors.
What is positive reinforcement?
Adding a stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.
What is frequency data?
The number of times a behavior occurs.
What is dual relationship in ABA?
A situation where multiple roles exist between the therapist and client that may impair objectivity.
How many points are deducted for being tardy to the first session?
0.5 points
During independent math work, the teacher hands the student a worksheet with 10 word problems. The student rips the paper, throws it on the floor, and says “I’m not doing this.” The teacher removes the worksheet and tells the student to take a break.
A: Given math worksheet with 10 word problems
B: Rips paper, throws it, says “I’m not doing this”
C: Teacher removes worksheet and gives a break
Tardiness at the commencement of the initial session.
Submission of an unsigned note, upon notification by the case supervisor.
Inappropriate clothing or language used in session.
Not Responding to email/calls/messages within 24 hours
0.5 points
What is a discriminative stimulus (SD)?
A cue or signal that a particular behavior will be reinforced.
Give an example of negative reinforcement.
Removing a loud noise when a child puts on headphones.
What is partial interval recording?
Recording whether the behavior occurred at any time during an interval.
What is the ethical obligation if a BCBA suspects abuse?
Report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.
What happens if an employee cancels a session with less than 24 hours’ notice?
2 points are deducted.
While waiting in line, a child begins calling out “look at me!” repeatedly. The teacher turns around, tells the child to stop talking, and reminds the class to be quiet. The child continues calling out.
A: Waiting in line quietly expected
B: Calling out “look at me!” repeatedly
C: Teacher gives verbal reprimand and attention
Being late/not notifying the chat, not updating session time (Fraud)
Late session cancellation with less than 24 hours' notice.
Schedule changes without prior approval from BCBA or case supervisor
Calling off the first month on a new caseload
Obtaining Parent signature with an incomplete session note
Communicating with parents/caregivers via text message & phone call
2 points
What are the ABCs of ABA?
Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence
What is a token economy?
A system where tokens are earned and exchanged for backup reinforcers.
What is latency recording?
The time between the SD and the start of the behavior.
What should you do if a parent asks them to do something outside of the behavior plan?
Politely explain that they must follow the written behavior plan and notify their supervisor.
Name two examples of behaviors that may lead to a 3-point deduction from a parent complaint.
Late arrival, personal phone use during session, use of reprimands, or lack of client engagement.
During writing time, the student is given a pencil and a writing prompt. The student breaks the pencil, puts their head down, and refuses to write. The teacher removes the writing task and allows the student to draw instead.
A: Given writing task with pencil and prompt
B: Breaks pencil, refuses, puts head down
C: Writing task removed; allowed to draw instead
Substantiated complaints from parents, including but not limited to, late arrival, personal phone usage during sessions, utilization of reprimands, and lack of client engagement.
3 points
Define “generalization” in ABA.
The transfer of learned behavior to new settings, people, or stimuli.
What is the Premack Principle?
Using a more preferred activity to reinforce a less preferred one (e.g., “First clean up, then play iPad”).
What should a BT or RBT do before starting data collection each session?
Review the client’s current goals, check for updates in the behavior plan, and prepare all necessary materials
What is your responsibility if you are running late or need to cancel a session?
Notify the group chat and or supervisor as soon as possible and follow company policies for reporting attendance changes.
Are emergency-related cancellations (e.g., illness, childcare, transportation) exempt from point deductions?
No, they are included under the policy.
During transition to clean up toys, the teacher announces “5 more minutes, then clean up.” When time is up, the child refuses, drops to the floor, and says “no.” The teacher repeats instructions and then helps the child clean up.
A: Told “5 more minutes, then clean up” → transition demand given
B: Refuses, drops to floor, says “no”
C: Teacher repeats instruction and physically helps clean up
Verbal Warning
3 points
Name two common functions of behavior.
Attention, Escape, Tangible, Automatic
What is satiation and how can it affect reinforcement?
Satiation occurs when a reinforcer loses its effectiveness because it has been used too often, leading to decreased motivation.
How does accurate data collection help the supervising BCBA?
It provides reliable information to make treatment decisions, track progress, and adjust programs as needed.
Why is accurate data collection an ethical responsibility for BTs/RBTs?
Because treatment decisions rely on data, and inaccurate data can lead to harmful or ineffective interventions.
If a BT or RBT receives repeated point deductions for the same issue, what proactive steps should they take to prevent further consequences?
They should meet with their supervisor to discuss the issue, develop a corrective action plan, ask for additional support or training if needed, and implement consistent changes to avoid future violations.
During small group instruction, the teacher presents a mixed set of known and unknown sight words. The student is asked to take turns reading aloud with peers. When it is the student’s turn, they hesitate, look at the page for several seconds, and then say, “I don’t know,” followed by pushing the book off the table. The teacher pauses instruction, gives a brief verbal correction, and then prompts the student to try again. The student engages in low-volume whining and puts their head down on the desk. After a minute, the teacher removes the reading task and allows the student to complete a coloring worksheet instead while the group continues reading.
A (Antecedent):
During small group instruction, student is presented with mixed sight words and asked to take turns reading aloud in front of peers.
B (Behavior):
Student hesitates, says “I don’t know,” pushes book off table, whines, and puts head down.
C (Consequence):
Teacher provides verbal correction and prompts to try again, then removes reading task and allows student to do a coloring worksheet instead while group continues reading.
Final Warning
6 points
Provide an example of a Motivating Operation (MO).
Satiation: A client is overly exposed to an item (preferred or non preferred) decreasing its value. Ex. A client uses their iPad every day outside of and during session.
Deprivation: A client is under exposed to an item (preferred or non preferred) decreasing it's value. Ex. A client is only allowed access to their iPad during sessions as a reinforcer.
Define the difference between an item that is a reinforcer versus a preferred item. (Hint: What future behavior changes need to occur, for something to be considered a reinforcer?)
A preference is something a client enjoys, but does not guarantee future behavior changes.
Future behaviors need to increase for an activity/item to be considered a reinforcer.
During direct supervision, your Case Supervisors are required to collect data for Interobserver Agreement (IOA). Define IOA.
IOA: Process in which two independent providers (BT/RBT and Supervisors) simultaneously record the occurrence of a behavior to determine agreement, consistency, and fidelity.
As an RBT, your scope of competence is defined as what? Where can you find this resource?
The behavior-technician services and activities an RBT can accurately carry out.
RBT Ethics Code, located at the BACB Website
How many hours do full time employees get for sick time and how many hours do part time employee's get?
Full time= 40
Part time = 30
The "Three-Term Contingency" refers to this:
Stimulus-Response-Consequence.
Make-Up Session:
Points received for a session cancellation may be reduced to zero if the employee completes an approved make-up session in full, including accurate documentation. (Should also be done the same week unless approved otherwise)
Fill-In or make up session:
If an employee confirms a fill-in session and cancels, two (2) additional points will be applied.