Measures and Data Collection
What is frequency reporting
A method of recording the number of times a specific behavior occurs within a set period.
What is a prompt?
An additional stimulus used to increase the likelihood that a person will emit the correct response.
What is the definition of an “extinction”?
The discontinuing of reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior, resulting in a decrease in the frequency of that behavior.
What is an RBT’s responsibility regarding session notes?
To objectively and accurately document the client’s progress, behaviors, and the interventions used during every session.
What is a "dual relationship" and why should it be avoided?
A relationship where the RBT has a professional role and a personal role with the client or their family; it should be avoided because it compromises clinical objectivity and professional boundaries.
Define latency
The time elapsed between the presentation of an antecedent stimulus and the onset of the target behavior.
Describe “errorless training”
An instructional strategy that ensures the learner always responds correctly by providing immediate, controlling prompts, thereby preventing incorrect responses.
What is a “consequence”?
A stimulus change that follows a behavior of interest.
Why must data be recorded as soon as possible after a behavior occurs?
To minimize memory bias and ensure the data accurately reflects the actual occurrence of the behavior.
What is the primary purpose of RBT supervision?
To ensure the RBT provides high-quality, effective, and ethical services by receiving ongoing guidance, training, and performance feedback from a BCBA.
What is the difference between "duration" and "inter-response time" (IRT)?
Duration measures how long a single instance of a behavior lasts, while IRT measures the elapsed time between two successive responses.
Explains the difference between “forward chaining” and “backward chaining”
Forward chaining teaches the first step first and prompts the remainder; backward chaining prompts all steps except the last one, which the learner completes independently to receive reinforcement.
Define "Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior" (DRA).
Reinforcing an appropriate behavior that serves as a functional alternative to a challenging behavior while simultaneously withholding reinforcement for the challenging behavior.
Why does it mean to keep data collection “objective”?
To record only observable and measurable actions, avoiding subjective interpretations, feelings, or labels (e.g., writing "John hit the table with an open palm" rather than "John was angry").
If a parent asks you for your opinion on a medical treatment or medication for their child, what is the appropriate response?
Politely explain that providing medical advice is outside the scope of practice of an RBT and suggest they speak with their child's physician or BCBA.
When using discontinuous measurement, what is "partial interval recording"?
A method where you record whether the behavior occurred at any point during the interval; it is often used to overestimate behavior and is best for behaviors you want to decrease.
What is stimulus generalization?
When a learned response occurs in the presence of stimuli that were not present during the original training (e.g., saying "dog" when seeing a breed of dog not used in the original lessons).
What is an “extinction burst”?
A temporary increase in the frequency, duration, or intensity of a target behavior when reinforcement is first withheld.
How should an RBT handle a situation where they observe a suspected incident of abuse or neglect?
Immediately follow the agency's mandatory reporting policy and local legal requirements to report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities and the supervisor.
How do you handle a conflict with a caregiver during a session?
Remain calm and professional, adhere to the behavior plan, do not engage in an argument, and report the incident immediately to the supervising BCBA for guidance.
Explain the difference between Permanent Product recording and Direct Observation, and provide an example of when you would use each.
Permanent Product measures the effects of a behavior on the environment (e.g., scoring a completed worksheet), whereas Direct Observation measures the behavior as it happens (e.g., counting instances of hitting).
How do you implement "Discrimination Training" in a Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) session?
You present a discriminative stimulus (S^D) that signals reinforcement is available for a correct response, and an S^\Delta (delta) that signals reinforcement is not available, teaching the learner to distinguish between the two.
Differentiate between Antecedent Interventions and Consequence Interventions for behavior reduction.
Antecedent interventions are strategies implemented before the behavior occurs to prevent it (e.g., priming, environmental modification), while consequence interventions are implemented after the behavior to reduce its future occurrence (e.g., redirection, extinction).
How do you maintain client confidentiality in line with HIPAA/ethical guidelines?
Only discuss client information with authorized personnel (the supervisor/caregivers), store data securely, remove identifying information from non-essential documents, and never share information on social media or in public spaces.
Explain the "Scope of Competence" in the context of the RBT Ethics Code.
RBTs must only perform tasks for which they have been trained and are supervised to perform; if asked to perform a task outside their training, they have an ethical obligation to inform their supervisor and seek appropriate training before attempting it.