BCAT Data Collection & Analysis 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A technician records a '+' when a client completes a step independently and a '–' when a prompt is needed. This is an example of:
- Duration data
- Task analysis data (Correct answer)
- Scatter plot data
- Interval recording data
Correct answer: Task analysis data
Task analysis data tracks a learner's independent or prompted performance on each step of a chained skill.
Question 2: A scatter plot is used in behavior analysis primarily to:
- Calculate the mean level of behavior across a phase
- Identify time periods when a problem behavior is most likely to occur (Correct answer)
- Plot cumulative responses over time
- Compare two clients' data on the same graph
Correct answer: Identify time periods when a problem behavior is most likely to occur
Scatter plots reveal temporal patterns by showing when during the day problem behaviors are concentrated, helping identify potential antecedents.
Question 3: You notice your IOA score with a colleague is only 62% for frequency data. The recommended minimum IOA for behavior data is:
- 50%
- 70%
- 80% (Correct answer)
- 95%
Correct answer: 80%
A minimum of 80% IOA is the generally accepted standard in applied behavior analysis to consider data collection reliable.
Question 4: Which graph type is MOST commonly used to display behavior data in ABA practice?
- Bar graph
- Pie chart
- Simple line graph (Correct answer)
- Histogram
Correct answer: Simple line graph
Simple line graphs are the standard in ABA because they clearly display changes in behavior over time across sessions.
Question 5: A client is working on manding. The technician records a '+' every time the client requests an item without prompting. After 20 trials, 14 are '+'. What is the percentage of independent mands?
- 14%
- 60%
- 70% (Correct answer)
- 80%
Correct answer: 70%
14 independent mands divided by 20 total trials equals 0.70, or 70% independent manding.
Question 6: When a behavior is at a high and stable rate before intervention begins, this baseline is described as:
- Variable and therapeutic
- Elevated and stable (Correct answer)
- Decreasing and therapeutic
- Low and unstable
Correct answer: Elevated and stable
An elevated and stable baseline confirms the behavior is consistently occurring at a high level, establishing a clear need for intervention and a meaningful comparison point.
Question 7: Data from the previous session should be reviewed BEFORE a session PRIMARILY to:
- Determine which reinforcers to order online
- Inform programming decisions and prepare appropriate materials and prompting levels (Correct answer)
- Write a new behavior intervention plan
- Establish new mastery criteria
Correct answer: Inform programming decisions and prepare appropriate materials and prompting levels
Reviewing prior session data helps the technician anticipate the client's current skill level and select the right prompts, materials, and goals for the upcoming session.
BCAT Data Collection & Analysis 4
A technician records a '+' when a client completes a step independently and a '–' when a prompt is needed.
This is an example of: