BAS Program Development and Implementation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When developing a behavior intervention program, which step should occur FIRST?
- Selecting reinforcers for the target behavior
- Conducting a functional behavior assessment to identify the function of the behavior (Correct answer)
- Writing the behavior intervention plan document
- Training staff on implementation procedures
Correct answer: Conducting a functional behavior assessment to identify the function of the behavior
A functional behavior assessment must be completed first to identify the function of the behavior before any intervention can be appropriately designed.
Question 2: A Behavior Analyst Supervisor is developing a new ABA program for a client. Which component is essential to include in the written behavior intervention plan?
- A list of all medications the client is currently taking
- Operationally defined target behaviors with measurable definitions (Correct answer)
- The supervisor's personal theoretical orientation
- A schedule of the client's school activities
Correct answer: Operationally defined target behaviors with measurable definitions
Operationally defined, measurable behavior definitions are essential for any BIP because they ensure consistent identification and measurement across all implementers.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes a 'socially significant' behavior target in ABA program development?
- A behavior that is easy to measure and record
- A behavior that is important to the client's quality of life and meaningful to stakeholders (Correct answer)
- A behavior that the supervisor has successfully treated before
- A behavior identified solely by the funding agency
Correct answer: A behavior that is important to the client's quality of life and meaningful to stakeholders
Social significance refers to the importance of the behavior to the client's daily functioning, independence, and quality of life, which is a core criterion in selecting treatment targets.
Question 4: When implementing a new ABA program, a supervisor should ensure that the intervention plan includes which of the following to promote generalization?
- Training only in a single controlled environment for consistency
- Multiple exemplars and varied training environments from the start (Correct answer)
- Postponing generalization training until mastery criteria are met in clinic
- Using only one therapist to maintain consistency
Correct answer: Multiple exemplars and varied training environments from the start
Programming for generalization from the beginning by using multiple exemplars and varied settings increases the likelihood that skills will transfer to natural environments.
Question 5: A BAS is reviewing a behavior intervention program for a client who engages in self-injurious behavior maintained by escape. Which intervention component is most critical to include?
- A DRO schedule targeting other behaviors
- An extinction component paired with teaching a functionally equivalent replacement behavior (Correct answer)
- Increased session duration to maximize learning opportunities
- A token economy for positive behaviors only
Correct answer: An extinction component paired with teaching a functionally equivalent replacement behavior
For escape-maintained behavior, extinction (preventing escape) combined with teaching a functionally equivalent alternative (e.g., requesting a break) addresses both the motivation and provides an appropriate replacement.
Question 6: Which of the following is the MOST appropriate way to establish mastery criteria for a new skill program?
- Using the same standard criteria (e.g., 80% for 3 sessions) for all clients and skills
- Basing criteria on the client's baseline performance levels and the skill's complexity (Correct answer)
- Setting criteria based solely on what insurance will reimburse
- Selecting criteria that the client can achieve within the first week
Correct answer: Basing criteria on the client's baseline performance levels and the skill's complexity
Mastery criteria should be individualized based on the client's baseline data and the specific skill requirements to ensure meaningful and durable learning.
Question 7: When a newly implemented behavior program is not producing the expected outcomes after two weeks of consistent implementation, what should the BAS do FIRST?
- Immediately discontinue the program and start a new one
- Review the data and conduct an implementation fidelity check (Correct answer)
- Increase the intensity of the intervention without reviewing data
- Seek additional funding to extend the program timeline
Correct answer: Review the data and conduct an implementation fidelity check
Before modifying or abandoning a program, the supervisor must review data trends and check implementation fidelity to determine if the issue is the program design or inconsistent application.
BAS Program Development and Implementation 1
When developing a behavior intervention program, which step should occur FIRST?