Behaviorism & Philosophical Foundations
This statement best represents the primary goals of behavior analysis as a science, and how these goals relate to the assumptions of selectionism and determinism
To describe, predict and control behavior, emphasizing that behavior is shaped by environmental consequences and governed by laws of nature.
This statement best distinguishes between positive and negative reinforcement contingencies.
Positive reinforcement increases behavior by adding a desirable stimulus, while negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing an aversive stimulus.
Which of the following best distinguishes between continuous and discontinuous measurement procedures?
Continuous measurement captures every instance of behavior, while discontinuous measurement captures behavior only at specific points in time.
This statement correctly distinguishes between dependent and independent variables in an experimental design.
The dependent variable is the manipulated variable, while the independent variable is measured to see the effect.
What core principle from the BACB ethics code is most associated with the requirement to avoid dual relationships that could impair professional judgment?
Behave with integrity.
This statement correctly distinguishes radical behaviorism from methodological behaviorism and outlines how radical behaviorism addresses private events
Radical behaviorism includes private events as behavior to be analyzed, whereas methodological behaviorism focuses only on observable behavior.
This distinguishes operant extinction from respondent extinction as processes.
Operant extinction involves withholding reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior, while respondent extinction involves the unpairing of a conditioned stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus.
This is the best example of a direct measure of behavior.
using a questionnaire to assess a person's self-reported frequency of behavior
observing and recording the exact number of times a student raises their hand in class
reviewing completed homework assignments to estimate engagement in class
conducting an interview with a caregiver about the individual's daily routine
Observing and recording the exact number of times a student raises their hand in class.
This statement best describes a threat to internal validity due to maturation.
Changes in the dependent variable due to outside influences unrelated to the experiment.
What is a key requirement for BACB certificants when making public statements about their professional activities, such as on social media?
They must accurately represent their credentials, services and outcomes, avoiding any form of misinterpretation.
How do the dimensions of ABA such as "applied," "effective," "generality," and "technological" ensure the success of interventions?
They ensure that interventions produce socially significant change, generalize across settings, and have clearly defined procedures for replication.
Which of the following correctly distinguishes between motivating operations and stimulus control?
Motivating operations change the effectiveness of a reinforcer, while stimulus control signals the availability of reinforcement contingent on behavior.
to visualize the total number of responses over time, showing changes in rate
This is the defining feature of single-case experimental designs that differentiates them from group designs.
Single-case designs rely on between-group comparisons to draw conclusions.
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a risk associated with engaging in a multiple relationship?
Providing services to a client who has requested a different provider
supervising a friend or relative, which could impair objectivity and professional judgment
attending a conference with other professionals in the same field
Using the same intervention plan for multiple clients without modification
supervising a friend or relative, which could impair objectivity and professional judgment.
What is the role of pragmatism in the philosophical assumptions of behavior analysis, and how does it guide the application of ABA in professional practice?
Pragmatism emphasizes choosing interventions based on their practicality and usefulness in real-world contexts, guiding ABA towards socially significant behaviors.
How do you distinguish between rule-governed and contingency-shaped behavior?
Rule-governed behavior is learned through direct experience with consequences, while contingency-shaped behavior is controlled by verbal instructions.
When evaluating the validity of a measurement procedure, what is the primary consideration?
The procedure measures what it is intended to measure.
What is an advantage of using multiple-baseline designs over reversal designs?
Multiple-baseline designs are easier to implement and require fewer participants.
When should services or supervision be discontinued, and what steps should be taken when transitioning clients and supervisees?
Services should be discontinued when no longer beneficial, and transition steps include ensuring a smooth transition to another qualified professional.
How does ABA differ from professional practice guided by the science of behavior analysis, and what dimensions of ABA support this?
ABA applies behavior analysis principles to improve socially significant behaviors and emphasizes clear, replicable procedures, while professional practice uses these principles broadly in real-world settings.
Which of the following best describes the role of multiple control in verbal behavior?
Multiple control occurs when a single verbal response is influenced by multiple antecedent stimuli.
This graph type is most appropriate for displaying the duration of a behavior across multiple sessions.
Equal-interval line graph.
What best explains a rationale for conducting a parametric analysis?
To determine the differential effects of varying levels of an independent variable.
Which of the following best describes the application of cultural humility in service delivery?
Assuming all clients from a specific culture will benefit from the same intervention approach
Acknowledging and respecting the cultural backgrounds of clients and seeking input from them to inform services
Avoiding discussions about cultural differences to prevent discomfort
relying solely on one's prior knowledge about different cultures when designing interventions
Acknowledging and respecting the cultural backgrounds of clients and seeking input from them to inform services.