BCBA Experimental Design & Measurement — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a multiple baseline design?
- To compare two interventions
- To assess interobserver agreement
- To test reliability
- To show experimental control across settings (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To show experimental control across settings
A multiple baseline design is used to demonstrate the effect of an intervention across different behaviors, settings, or individuals without withdrawing treatment.
Question 2: Which type of measurement is used to track the number of times a behavior occurs?
- Latency
- Duration
- Frequency (Correct answer)
- Topography
Correct answer: Frequency
Frequency is a type of continuous measurement that records how many times a specific behavior occurs.
Question 3: What is the function of a reversal (ABAB) design in experimental research?
- To evaluate baseline trends
- To compare multiple treatments
- To show a functional relationship by withdrawing intervention (Correct answer)
- To reduce variability
Correct answer: To show a functional relationship by withdrawing intervention
A reversal design introduces and withdraws the intervention to demonstrate a functional relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
Question 4: Which measurement dimension refers to how long a behavior lasts?
- Interresponse time
- Frequency
- Duration (Correct answer)
- Latency
Correct answer: Duration
Duration measures the total amount of time that a behavior occurs from beginning to end.
Question 5: What is the key advantage of using permanent product measurement?
- Reduces observer bias
- Allows real-time feedback
- Measures non-observable behaviors
- Allows measurement after behavior has occurred (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Allows measurement after behavior has occurred
Permanent product measurement allows for data collection to occur after the behavior has happened by evaluating the outcome or product.
Question 6: Which of the following best defines reliability in behavioral measurement?
- Accuracy of tools
- Validity of the target behavior
- Consistency of measurement (Correct answer)
- Generalizability of results
Correct answer: Consistency of measurement
Reliability refers to the consistency of measurement across different observers or repeated measurements.
BCBA Experimental Design & Measurement
What is the primary purpose of a multiple baseline design?