RBT Documentation and Reporting Test #4 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In ABA, a "probe" session is used to:
- Deliver a high density of reinforcement to motivate the client
- Test performance on a skill without providing prompts or corrections (Correct answer)
- Introduce a new behavior program for the first time
- Collect IOA data on previously mastered skills
Correct answer: Test performance on a skill without providing prompts or corrections
A probe session assesses whether the client can perform a skill independently, without assistance or feedback. Probe data tell the team whether the skill has been acquired, whether it is maintaining, and whether it is generalizing to new conditions.
Question 2: Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating percent correct from trial data?
- (Total trials / Correct responses) × 100
- (Correct responses / Total trials) × 100 (Correct answer)
- (Incorrect responses / Total trials) × 100
- (Total trials − Incorrect responses) / 100
Correct answer: (Correct responses / Total trials) × 100
Percent correct is calculated by dividing the number of correct responses by the total number of trials and multiplying by 100. This formula converts raw trial counts into a standardized percentage that can be compared across sessions of different lengths.
Question 3: A "mastery criterion" in a skill acquisition program specifies:
- The number of sessions before the program starts
- The performance level the client must reach for a skill to be considered learned (Correct answer)
- The minimum number of questions to include on a data sheet
- The schedule used to thin reinforcement
Correct answer: The performance level the client must reach for a skill to be considered learned
A mastery criterion defines the specific performance standard (e.g., 80% correct across 3 consecutive sessions with two therapists) that must be met before a skill is considered acquired. It provides an objective benchmark for clinical decision-making.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes "variability" in behavioral data?
- A steady, consistent level of behavior across sessions
- Fluctuation in the level of behavior from session to session (Correct answer)
- A clear upward trend in skill acquisition data
- The difference between the baseline and treatment phases
Correct answer: Fluctuation in the level of behavior from session to session
Variability refers to the degree to which data points fluctuate around the mean or trend line. High variability makes it difficult to identify a clear trend or determine the effect of an intervention, and may indicate inconsistent implementation or unstable conditions.
Question 5: Why is it important to document the reinforcers used in each session?
- To bill for reinforcer costs
- To allow the BCBA to track reinforcer effectiveness and rotate items to prevent satiation (Correct answer)
- To comply with school attendance policies
- To demonstrate that the session lasted the required duration
Correct answer: To allow the BCBA to track reinforcer effectiveness and rotate items to prevent satiation
Documenting reinforcers used helps the BCBA monitor whether specific items continue to function as reinforcers over time. Satiation can reduce reinforcer effectiveness, so rotating reinforcers based on session records is an important part of maintaining treatment efficacy.
Question 6: An RBT records "0% correct" on a skill program for three consecutive sessions. The appropriate action is to:
- Remove the program and move to something easier
- Continue without changes to collect more data
- Report the data to the supervising BCBA and await guidance on plan modifications (Correct answer)
- Add more trials per session to improve the percentage
Correct answer: Report the data to the supervising BCBA and await guidance on plan modifications
When data indicate consistent failure to acquire a skill, the RBT's responsibility is to accurately report this to the BCBA. Only the supervising BCBA has the authority to modify the program — the RBT must provide complete, accurate data to enable evidence-based clinical decisions.
RBT Documentation and Reporting Test #4 2
In ABA, a "probe" session is used to: