BAS Research Methods and Evidence 2

Question 1

A researcher uses a changing criterion design to teach a student to increase reading fluency. What is the defining feature of this design?

Accepted Answer

Performance criterion shifts in a stepwise fashion toward the terminal goal

Answer

Changing criterion designs shape behavior by progressively shifting the criterion for reinforcement toward a terminal goal.

Question 2

Which of the following is the best example of an operational definition in behavior analysis research?

Accepted Answer

Aggression is defined as hitting with an open or closed hand to any body part lasting at least 0.5 seconds

Answer

An operational definition must be observable, measurable, and specific enough to allow consistent recording by independent observers.

Question 3

A supervisor reviews data showing high inter-rater reliability but notices the observer consistently records behavior 2 seconds late. This is an example of which measurement issue?

Accepted Answer

Systematic measurement error

Answer

Systematic measurement error occurs when observers consistently deviate from the true value in the same direction, even if they agree with each other.

Question 4

In a withdrawal design, an experimenter removes the intervention during the B phase and behavior returns to baseline levels. This return is called:

Accepted Answer

Reversal

Answer

When behavior returns toward baseline levels after treatment withdrawal, it is called a reversal, demonstrating the treatment's effect.

Question 5

Which experimental design is MOST appropriate when the behavior targeted for intervention is irreversible?

Accepted Answer

Multiple baseline design

Answer

Multiple baseline designs do not require withdrawal of treatment, making them suitable for behaviors that cannot ethically or practically be reversed.

(BAS) Behavior Analyst Supervisor Practice Test

(BAS) Behavior Analyst Supervisor Practice Test

BAS Research Methods and Evidence 2