RBT Documentation and Reporting Test #2 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which data collection method involves recording whether a behavior occurred during any part of a time interval?
- Whole-interval recording
- Partial-interval recording (Correct answer)
- Momentary time sampling
- Frequency recording
Correct answer: Partial-interval recording
Partial-interval recording scores an interval if the behavior occurred at any point during that interval, regardless of how briefly. It tends to overestimate the actual occurrence of behavior and is most appropriate for low-rate behaviors that may be missed by other methods.
Question 2: Momentary time sampling involves recording whether a behavior is occurring:
- At any point during the interval
- Throughout the entire interval
- Exactly at the moment the interval ends (Correct answer)
- Whenever the observer chooses to look
Correct answer: Exactly at the moment the interval ends
In momentary time sampling, the observer records whether the behavior is occurring at the precise moment the interval ends (e.g., at the 10-second mark). It is less disruptive than continuous recording and is useful for high-rate or sustained behaviors.
Question 3: Latency recording measures:
- How long a behavior lasts
- The number of times a behavior occurs
- The time between the SD and the onset of the response (Correct answer)
- The number of steps completed in a task analysis
Correct answer: The time between the SD and the onset of the response
Latency is the elapsed time between the presentation of a discriminative stimulus (or instruction) and the initiation of the response. Latency recording is appropriate when the clinical concern is how quickly a client responds, such as compliance latency.
Question 4: Data should be graphed and reviewed:
- Once a month during team meetings
- Only when treatment is ending
- Regularly (typically each session or week) to guide ongoing clinical decisions (Correct answer)
- Only by the BCBA, not the RBT
Correct answer: Regularly (typically each session or week) to guide ongoing clinical decisions
Regular graphing and review of data allows the clinical team to identify trends, detect lack of progress, and make timely adjustments to the treatment plan. RBTs contribute to this process by collecting accurate data every session.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes a cumulative record?
- A graph showing behavior rate on each individual session
- A graph where the data path only moves upward, representing the running total of responses (Correct answer)
- A table listing all behaviors across multiple clients
- A session note summarizing behavioral events
Correct answer: A graph where the data path only moves upward, representing the running total of responses
A cumulative record plots the running total of responses over time, with the slope of the line representing the rate of responding. The data path never decreases; a steeper slope indicates a higher rate of behavior.
Question 6: An RBT notices that the session data look inconsistent with what actually happened during the session. The RBT should:
- Adjust the data to better reflect the session
- Discard the data sheet and approximate the values
- Discuss the discrepancy with the supervising BCBA and re-examine data collection procedures (Correct answer)
- Ignore the discrepancy since data is only approximate
Correct answer: Discuss the discrepancy with the supervising BCBA and re-examine data collection procedures
Data integrity is fundamental to ABA practice. If data appear inconsistent with observations, the RBT should bring this to the BCBA's attention so that data collection procedures can be reviewed and corrected. Altering or fabricating data is a serious ethical violation.
RBT Documentation and Reporting Test #2 3
Which data collection method involves recording whether a behavior occurred during any part of a time interval?