RBT Assessment Test #3 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which verbal operant involves repeating what another person has said?
- Mand
- Tact
- Echoic (Correct answer)
- Intraverbal
Correct answer: Echoic
An echoic is a verbal operant where the speaker repeats a vocal verbal stimulus that was just presented (i.e., vocal imitation). Teaching echoics is often an early target in language programs because it builds the foundation for other verbal operants.
Question 2: When teaching a new skill, an RBT should deliver reinforcement:
- Only at the end of the session
- On a lean schedule to avoid satiation
- Immediately and consistently following correct responding (Correct answer)
- After every three correct responses regardless of type
Correct answer: Immediately and consistently following correct responding
During initial skill acquisition, reinforcement should be delivered immediately and consistently (continuous reinforcement schedule) following correct responses. Immediate delivery strengthens the association between the behavior and the reinforcer.
Question 3: An RBT is asked to share a client's session video with a friend for educational purposes. The RBT should:
- Share it since it is for educational use
- Ask the client's parents for permission first
- Decline because sharing requires written consent per ethical guidelines (Correct answer)
- Post it anonymously online
Correct answer: Decline because sharing requires written consent per ethical guidelines
Client information, including video recordings, is confidential and may not be shared without written informed consent. Even seemingly benign educational sharing violates privacy rights and BACB ethics standards.
Question 4: Which of the following describes the Premack Principle?
- Using a high-probability behavior as a reinforcer for a low-probability behavior (Correct answer)
- Delivering reinforcement on a fixed schedule
- Pairing a neutral stimulus with a reinforcer
- Thinning a reinforcement schedule over time
Correct answer: Using a high-probability behavior as a reinforcer for a low-probability behavior
The Premack Principle states that a more preferred (high-probability) behavior can be used to reinforce a less preferred (low-probability) behavior. For example, "First finish your vegetables, then you can play" uses play as a reinforcer for eating.
Question 5: A client's behavior has not changed after several weeks of intervention. An RBT should:
- Continue the program unchanged and wait longer
- Change the program based on personal judgment
- Communicate the lack of progress to the supervising BCBA (Correct answer)
- Stop the program entirely
Correct answer: Communicate the lack of progress to the supervising BCBA
When data indicate lack of progress, the RBT's responsibility is to report this to the supervising BCBA. Program modifications are the BCBA's decision; RBTs should not independently alter treatment plans but must ensure supervisors have accurate data.
Question 6: Which of the following is the defining feature of applied behavior analysis?
- It uses cognitive-behavioral techniques
- It focuses on improving socially significant behaviors (Correct answer)
- It relies primarily on medication for behavior change
- It only addresses behavior in clinical settings
Correct answer: It focuses on improving socially significant behaviors
The "applied" dimension of ABA specifies that the behaviors targeted for change must be socially significant to the individual. This distinguishes ABA from basic research and emphasizes meaningful, real-world behavior improvement.
RBT Assessment Test #3 3
Which verbal operant involves repeating what another person has said?